Two Hendrix students presented findings at Chicago research conference

Hendrix College is proud to celebrate students Rowan McCollum ’26 and Kailey Thurman ’26 who travelled to Chicago in April to share their research at the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).

“Presenting at the ASBMB Meeting was an invaluable experience for me. Sharing my work with other scientists, receiving feedback and new ideas, and getting to see my work through to its culmination in the form of presentation was both an invigorating and fulfilling experience,” said McCollum. “Apart from presenting my own work, getting the opportunity to make connections and explore the work of others afforded me fantastic insight into what my own professional/academic life could look like in the future.”

Both students presented posters that described summer research they conducted alongside Hendrix Professor of Biology Dr. Andrew Schurko. McCollum, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, presented a poster titled “CRISPR in Bdelloid Rotifers: Optimizing an Electroporation Protocol for Uptake of sgRNA/Cas9 Complexes,” while Thurman, a biology major, presented one titled “Targeting Histone H2A Variant Genes in Bdelloid Rotifers using sgRNA/Cas9 CRISPR Complexes.”

Thurman noted, “It was exciting to be in a community of people so passionate about their specific area of expertise.” She added that part of what she loved most about the experience was learning to share research in a way that anyone could understand it, regardless of their background in science.

Dr. Schurko is a recipient of the Morris and Ann Henry Odyssey Professorship, which provided funds for research and travel. Thurman also received the ASBMB Student Chapter Travel Award to attend the conference. 

“The conference was a productive experience for Rowan and Kailey,” said Dr. Schurko, emphasizing the value that research experiences like this have for students. “Not only did they present their research on a national stage, but they also heard talks from leading research institutions, participated in workshops, and met with other students and faculty from across the globe.”

McCollum and Thurman were among more than 200 students from across the nation selected to present their research posters at the ASBMB annual meeting. Presenting at the meeting offers undergraduates a multitude of valuable experiences that can significantly enhance their academic and professional development.

About Hendrix College

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.

“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose