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SC INBRE funds summer research experiences at Furman
Candace Reilley ’26 (right) is one of the 19 students who engaged in biomedical research over the summer. Photo by Nathan Gray, Furman University.
Nineteen students from colleges around South Carolina spent part of their summers at Furman University sharpening their biomedical science skills. The students, whose home universities are part of the South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE), studied neuroscience and psychology, biology and chemistry.
SC INBRE, a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded initiative to build capacity for biomedical research in the state, provided most of the funding for the summer research with the balance being funded by Furman.
Funding extended to two students at HBCU Morris College who worked with Onarae Rice, Furman professor of psychology and neuroscience and neuroscience department chair.
In addition to committing to 10 weeks of full-time summer research, students also participated in Furman’s 5th annual INBRE Summer Seminar series. Furman’s John Kaup, director of science education and SC INBRE coordinator of Research Experiences for Teachers, noted the additional programming provides a chance for students to become acclimated to Furman’s INBRE initiative and begin sharing their research interests with peers and faculty across the state, regionally and nationally.
Throughout the summer, students heard from biomedical research faculty visiting from other SC INBRE institutions including Anita Nag of Presbyterian College and Jessica Larsen of Clemson University and honed their presentation skills by preparing three-minute flash talks.
Students also heard from Furman’s INBRE advisory committee members Karen Buchmueller, associate professor of chemistry, and Alison Roark, professor of biology, regarding best practices for oral and poster sessions.
Training the next generation of biomedical scientists
John Wheeler, associate provost for Integrative Science and professor of chemistry, said Furman’s 20-year competitive participation in the NIH INBRE program has supported hundreds of Furman students as well as their faculty research advisors. INBRE scholars and their mentors advance biomedical research in the state and address the need for an elevated understanding and treatment of human disease.
“Together, SC INBRE institutions continue to train the next generation of biomedical scientists,” Wheeler said. “We are building a pipeline of talented, well-trained individuals who will soon become the researchers and clinicians to address our most critical health-related challenges in the years ahead. We are grateful to continue to provide these opportunities to our students at Furman.”
Students participating in biology research with Furman faculty Jason Rawlings, Linnea Freeman, Adi Dubash and Dave Hollis were Cynthia Benton, Rhea Bijoor, Ameila Cowart, Michael Jaber, Candace Reilley, Zenab Sabir and Macy Yoder.
Students participating in neuroscience/psychology research with Furman faculty Onarae Rice and Veronica Flores were Stelle Besenhaver, Makala Ellison, James Riley Enriquez, Kyla O’Keefe, Callia Peart, and, from Morris College, Olivia Brooks and Ta’Myia Tyler.
Students participating in chemistry research with Furman faculty Meghan Breen and Karen Buchmueller were Lana Geiger, Ryan Galloway, Yusra Naeem, Alexandria Walgren and Rachel Ward.