Meredith Allen is only in her first year at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), but she is already gaining recognition for research that connects chemistry and real-world problem-solving.
Allen, a biology major on the pre-health track, earned first place in the Chemistry division and second place overall in oral presentations at the Eastern Collegiate Division Meeting of the Tennessee Academy of Science (TAS). The conference was held at Walters State Community College’s Niswonger campus in Greenville, Tennessee. Her travel was supported by LMU’s Department of Biology & Chemistry.
Her research focused on microwave-assisted organic synthesis, a technique that speeds up chemical reactions and reduces waste. Allen applied the method to recreate luminol, a compound commonly used in forensic science to detect traces of blood.
In traditional lab settings, synthesizing luminol can take up to four hours, making it difficult to use in undergraduate classes with limited lab time. Allen’s project aimed to make the process faster and more efficient so it could be completed during a standard two-hour organic chemistry lab.
“Microwave-assisted organic synthesis is a resourceful way to recreate molecules in a time-efficient manner,” said Allen. “It allows reactions to happen faster, with less waste and often with a purer product. That efficiency is why it is being explored more in medicine and everyday applications.”
Allen traced her interest in the project back to her first-semester organic chemistry course, where she learned about the research interests of her mentor, Dr. Thomas Shell, an associate professor of chemistry at the LMU College of Mathematics, Sciences and Health Professions.
“I knew Dr. Shell was interested in medicinal chemistry and using chemistry to help people through their health,” Allen said. “That really stood out to me.”
After approaching Shell about joining his research, the pair spent many hours in the lab refining the synthesis process until it could be completed within a single lab period.
“Meredith is a precocious research student,” said Shell. “Her research in chemical education and organic chemistry resulted in a laboratory exercise that will be utilized in the Organic Chemistry II Laboratory course at LMU.”
A pre‑health student with plans to become a physician, Allen is enrolled in LMU’s Guaranteed Professional Admission (GPA Pathway). The program is designed to provide motivated students with a clear, structured route from undergraduate study into professional programs while maintaining high academic standards.
The GPA Pathway offers opportunities across multiple disciplines, including osteopathic medicine, law, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, veterinary medicine, and dental medicine. For students pursuing medicine, the pathway allows participants to complete all required prerequisite coursework approved by LMU’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (DCOM) while working toward a bachelor’s degree. Students who meet the established academic benchmarks receive a guaranteed interview with the medical school.
Allen said studying pre-health on the same campus as a medical school has made her future goals feel more tangible.
“It is extremely beneficial,” she said. “You can run into medical students just walking to the student center or the gym, and they are always willing to give advice. It helps you picture where you are headed.”
Her interest in medicine began in high school after taking her first biology class and participating in Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). Through the organization, she developed an interest in family medicine and rural health care. That interest continued to grow after she shadowed a general surgeon in a rural community last summer.
Presenting her research at the state conference was both exciting and challenging, especially as a first-year student.
“At my first conference, I realized I was the only freshman there, which made me nervous,” said Allen. “But I learned that it is okay not to have every answer. Everyone is there to learn and support one another.”
Now, Allen sees her early research success as confidence-building and motivating.
“As a student in Appalachia, resourcefulness and efficiency matter,” she said. “Being able to apply those values through research and see how they connect to medicine has been incredibly meaningful.”
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The university’s main campus is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about undergraduate and graduate programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email admissions@lmunet.edu.
