Five LMU Students Named 2023 ACA Ledford Scholars

(Lincoln Memorial University’s Appalachian College Association Ledford Scholars for 2023, clockwise from bottom left: Dr. Thomas Shell, Dr. Barbara Shock, Dr. Ryan Overton, Dr. Whitney Kistler, Dr. LaRoy Brandt, Erika Hale, Logan Taylor, Trevor Holt, Madison Hall, Joshua Boldon.)

Five Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) School of Mathematics and Sciences students have been awarded research funding from the Appalachian College Association (ACA) Ledford Scholars program to conduct research throughout the summer.

The ACA scholarship program offers financial assistance for students who are enrolled at ACA member institutions and conducting summer research in various fields. The program provides funding for recipients’ research, materials and travel expenses. Each student will receive guidance from an LMU faculty member. This year, 43 undergraduates from 18 member institutions received funding.

“I am thrilled to congratulate our School of Mathematics and Science students and their faculty mentors for receiving research funding from the ACA Ledford Scholars program,” said Dr. Adam Rollins, dean of the School of Mathematics and Science and professor of biology. “These awards from the ACA provide a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage in experiential, hands-on learning through the development and implementation of novel research projects. These experiences will not only further their professional development, but also help them to grow as individuals and make a positive impact on the world around them.”

Joshua Boldon is a junior chemistry and pre-med major from Sneedville, Tennessee. He received funding for “Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of a Fluorine Derivative of Acetaminophen.” His mentor is Dr. Thomas Shell, assistant professor of chemistry.

Erika Hale is a junior conservation biology major from Pikeville, Tennessee. She received funding for “Owl Biodiversity Estimates at Fall Creek Falls State Park.” Her mentor is Dr. LaRoy Brandt, associate professor of biology and conservation biology and director of the Cumberland Mountain Research Center.

Madison Hall is a senior from Harlan County, Kentucky, expecting to graduate in December 2023. She is a biology and pre-health major with a minor in chemistry. Hall received funding for “Use of eDNA to determine the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in freshwater sources in Harlan, Kentucky.” Her mentor is Dr. Barbara Shock, associate professor of biology and conservation biology.

Trevor Holt is a junior conservation biology major from Thorn Hill, Tennessee. He received funding for “Construction of a biomass gasifier and testing for natural disasters and emergencies.” His mentor is Dr. Ryan Overton, dean of the School of Engineering.

Logan Taylor is a junior from Harlan County, Kentucky, expecting to graduate in December 2024. He is a conservation biology major. Taylor received funding for “Prevalence of the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) in freshwater ecosystems throughout Harlan County, Kentucky. His mentor is Dr. Whitney Kistler, associate professor of biology and conservation biology and program director of conservation biology.

“I am proud of these students’ hard work and dedication and can’t wait to see the exciting discoveries they will make through their research endeavors over the summer,” said Rollins.

After the projects are complete Ledford Scholars will create a video presentation of their research findings. The video will be highlighted on the ACA website.

For information on the programs in the School of Mathematics and Science, contact Gerald Branham, recruitment and student success coordinator, at Gerald.Branham@LMUnet.edu.

Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423.869.6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.