Summer Research Grants Fund Opportunities for USCB Undergrads
The University of South Carolina Beaufort is funding a new round of Summer Research
Experience (SRE) grants, supporting undergraduate students as they conduct faculty-mentored
research across a range of academic disciplines.
"Our Summer Research Experience students are rockstars who will work closely with
a faculty member this summer to engage hands-on in the research process," said Carmen
Farrell, Ph.D., Faculty Chair of the USCB Student Research and Scholarship Committee.
Summer Research Experience (SRE) programs are important for undergraduate students
because they provide immersive learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional
classroom. Students gain practical skills in research methods, data analysis, lab
techniques, critical thinking, and academic writing. Having research experience makes
students more competitive for graduate programs, internships, scholarships, and job
opportunities after graduation.
The 2025 USCB Summer Research Experience (SRE) awards ranged from $1000 to $1750.
This year's grantees are:
- Sarah (Ash) Bass and Jacob (Eli) Wright will work with Dr. Kyle Messick, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology, on a project entitled "Expanding nonbelief typologies to encompass Eastern traditions".
- Lynette Wyant will work with Dr. Mercer Brugler, Ph.D., Chair, Department of Natural Sciences, on a project entitled "Using Environmental DNA (eDNA) to Elucidate Oyster Reef Biodiversity and Disease Prevalence".
- Maria Angelita Carolus will work with Dr. Brugler on a project entitled "Oyster reef eDNA continued & DNA Extractions".
- A. Rose Nance will work with Dr. Ed D’Antonio, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, on a project entitled "Extraction and Purification of Lepidametria commensalis Hemoglobin to Investigate Potential Peroxidase Activity."
- Alexandra Horn will work with Dr. Babet Villena-Alvarez, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Coordinator of USCB International Programs, on a project entitled "Social Anxiety and Intercultural Relations: Exploring the Psychological Challenges Faced by American (USCB) Study Abroad Students in Interacting with Local Parisians".
- Brendan Cruz will work with Dr. Tye Pettay, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biological Oceanography on a project entitled "Using Machine Learning to Predict Water Quality Events in the Port Royal Sound".
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CW 05/05/25