�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ - College of Science - Biological Sciences - News - �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ

Bailey Shaffer to earn degrees in sociology, biology from �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ on road to medical career

2024-12-10T08:17:28-06:00

A family health emergency early in life pointed Bailey Shaffer toward a medical career path. She’s set to reach a major milestone on Dec. 16

Bridging the Recycling Gap: The Story of �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ’s Student Recycling Initiative

2024-11-11T10:22:30-06:00

In spring 2023, Kathryne Bellingrath, a University of Alabama in Huntsville junior majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry, recognized a need on campus when she learned of a disconnect between existing facilities and effective recycling solutions.

After a proposal assignment in her technical writing class, Bellingrath consulted with her former economics professor and laid the groundwork for what would become the Volunteer-Based Recycling (VBR) program. Over the following year, the initiative flourished. The group expanded its reach and membership while adapting to the evolving needs of campus. During this time, Dr. Themistoklis Chronis, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy, took on the role of the Faculty Advisor for the group.

“On the Lab side, Bellingrath explains, “We have Dr. Huseynov as the [Principal Investigator] for The VBR Lab working with the Head of the Polymer Processing Initiative, two rotating morning Material Prep teams, the afternoon Materials Prep team, a Grind team, two Polymer Processing teams, and the Equipment Management Team under them.”

“We also have a rotating team of volunteers who collect from the recycling bins around campus, which is considered a gray area between the Business and Lab sides.”

Bellingrath, who is from New Hope Alabama, says she believes the biggest threat facing human survival is plastic pollution. “While we should strive to decrease our production of plastic, that can only do so much,” she says.

As she continues to explain the goals of the organization, Bellingrath says, “We must start chipping away at the accumulated plastic in our environment.” The VBR has a strategic plan to increase �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ’s Landfill Diversion Rate for Type 1 plastic to 29 percent by taking primarily disposable sources and reprocessing them into more permanent fixtures within the campus community.

Through doing this, Bellingrath says the Polyethylene Terephthalate, which is a synthetic fiber used in plastics and clothing, can be kept out of landfills. “We hope to achieve the 29% Landfill Diversion Rate and fully implement non-harmful polymer breakdown methods by 2031.”

Benjamin Williams, a junior chemistry major with a biology minor, says recycling is also about reprocessing. “Recycling is interesting to me because I like the idea of reusing materials for other purposes instead of just disposing of them.”

Jalynn Whitfield, the VBR Vice-President, who is a junior double majoring in sociology and communication with a minor in psychology, says she became interested in recycling as a way to protect the environment. “It is a small but great way to take care of the world we are living in and ensure that it continues to be here for future generations,” she says.

Whitfield, who has lived in Huntsville for the past 12 years, says sustainability is a big factor in the recycling process. “Sustainability processes are slowed down when there aren’t means to make them happen. In conversations with classmates, friends, and even professors, I’ve heard people express a desire to help create more sustainable options or participate in sustainable programs.”

The organization aims to eventually build a collective Green Fund program, similar to the ones seen at other universities. “Mississippi State is an example of a university that has had a successful Green Fund going for years, and it has allowed MSU to make great strides in creating a sustainable campus and raise awareness of their existing sustainability programs and departments,” Whitfield explains.

Bellingrath says the VBR plans to have a “Sip and Speak with the VBR,” event where other students can learn more about the organization. “We’ll be posting more about it and all of our event, members, and equipment modifications on our Instagram @uah_vbr,” she says.

Huntsville recycling expert Moriah Fordham, says she appreciates the group for working toward a more sustainable campus. “Recycling items like paper products, aluminum cans, and glass is a powerful way to conserve natural resources by reusing materials and reducing the need for virgin resources like timber, water, and minerals. It also requires less energy to create new products, making a meaningful difference for our planet.”

“Every small choice we make—such as using a reusable water bottle, opting for digital materials, or sorting recyclables—adds up to a significant reduction in waste. By consciously choosing sustainability in our daily lives, we can build a cleaner, greener community and inspire those around us to join in. A recycling program on campus not only helps reduce waste but also cultivates a culture of sustainability, empowering students and faculty to make a positive impact on the environment and embrace their responsibility for our planet’s future—an opportunity we can all celebrate and prioritize.”

�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ College of Nursing student Lauren Milam wins annual Three Minute Thesis competition

2024-10-22T08:17:28-05:00

Lauren Milam, a Ph.D. candidate in the College of Nursing at �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ (�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ), won first place in the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition presented by the �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ Graduate School on Oct. 14.

One of the first of its kind, �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ study characterizes urinary microbes in children

2024-09-06T07:53:07-05:00

Until recently, it was believed that human urine is sterile, but advanced culturing techniques and DNA sequencing have revealed that bacteria and other microbes – such as viruses and fungi – inhabit the human bladder and urinary tract, known collectively as the “urobiome.”

As fall 2024 semester begins, �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ welcomes 25 new faculty members to Charger community

2024-08-23T07:53:07-05:00

As the 2024-2025 academic year begins, �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ (�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ) welcomes 25 new faculty members who joined the Charger community in 2024.

�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ team places eighth internationally in 2024 University Rover Challenge

2024-07-26T13:53:07-05:00

A team comprised of College of Engineering and College of Science students at �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ (�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ), a part of the University of Alabama System, placed eight internationally in the 2024 University Rover Challenge (URC) in Moab, Utah.

�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ College of Science hosts STEM Summer Institute for area high schoolers

2024-07-15T15:53:07-05:00

In June and July, the College of Science at �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ (�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ) a part of the University of Alabama System, hosted two weeks of activities in support of the 2024 CAP & GOWN Project STEM Summer Institute.

�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ honors faculty, staff, researchers with 2024 University Awards for Excellence

2024-06-10T07:53:07-05:00

�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ (�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ) recognized outstanding achievements of its faculty, staff members and researchers during the 2024 University Awards for Excellence ceremony on April 26. �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ is a part of The University of Alabama System.

�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ promotion, tenure awards for 2024-2025 year given to 25 outstanding faculty members

2024-06-06T07:53:07-05:00

�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ (�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ) recognized 25 faculty members for their outstanding performance and overall excellence by awarding them tenure and/or promotion starting with the 2024-2025 academic year.

Sustainability Through Bioinformatics: Caroline Bendickson's Dual Major Journey and Unified Vision

2024-05-10T08:02:23-05:00

Caroline Bendickson is a student in the College of Science at �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ (�鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ) with a double major in biology and chemistry and a minor in mathematics. Her journey is marked by her passion for scientific exploration and her determination to make a difference in the fields of bioinformatics and environmental sustainability. She will be graduating in Spring 2025.

From an early age, Bendickson's interest in science was evident. Participating in programs like the Biotech Academy at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology during high school exposed her to the world of research and ignited her curiosity. There, she first encountered her future research advisor, Dr. Alex Harkess, whose work inspired her to pursue undergraduate research at HudsonAlpha during her time at �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ.

One of the defining moments in Bendickson's journey was her decision to apply for the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. The nomination process is rigorous, but Caroline's dedication to research and compelling application earned her nominations from the university in 2023 and 2024. Despite not succeeding in her first attempt at the national review process, Bendickson's resilience and the encouragement of her mentors propelled her to reapply the following year. This time, her efforts paid off, and she was awarded the Goldwater Scholarship, a testament to her academic prowess and unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry. "I focused more on my specific research goals in the broader context of the research I want to do, which is genomics and genetics and what this technology offers us. During my second attempt, I had a better sense of my scientific interests and professional goals, and I think that probably came through in my writing because it made the difference this year", she says.

Caroline Bendickson presenting her undergraduate research at the HudsonAlpha BioTrain Internship poster session.

She initially considered a career in education, but her journey took a turn when she discovered her deep enthusiasm for scientific inquiry during her advanced science classes in middle and high school. This profound realization led her to embrace a career in research, where she found her true calling.

Her research interests lie at the intersection of biology, genetics, and computer science, particularly in the field of bioinformatics. With a keen focus on genomics, she seeks to utilize computational tools to address pressing agricultural issues in crop sustainability. Using genomic technologies, scientists can improve crop yields and resilience to climate change and other environmental pressures to meet growing global food demands as well as contribute to the conservation of endangered species.

She is currently researching the phylogenetics of Trillium flowers, applying molecular DNA techniques to trace their evolutionary relationships. She has been working at HudsonAlpha since October 2021, and her efforts have been recognized through course credit granted by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry.

Caroline Bendickson presenting her undergraduate research at the HudsonAlpha BioTrain Internship poster session.

As part of her work at HudsonAlpha, she's also developing a manuscript to publish an updated phylogeny for the Trillium genus. Her research has earned her significant grants from the Botanical Society of America and Alabama Wildflower Society and invitations to present posters at conferences such as the American Society for Plant Biologists national and southeastern section meetings, CROPS which is hosted by HudsonAlpha, and the University of Georgia Plant Center retreat.

Beyond her academic achievements, Bendickson attributes much of her success to the support and guidance of her professors at �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ: Dr. Olaf Nachtigall and Dr. Luis Cruz-Vera, her mentors who wrote letters for her scholarship application. Additionally, support and mentorship from Ms. Jennifer Staton, the Fellowship and Graduate School Advisor at �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ, were instrumental in Caroline's success, providing invaluable guidance throughout the application process.

Looking ahead, Caroline plans to pursue a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, building upon her interdisciplinary background to make meaningful scientific contributions. While her undergraduate journey at �鶹��Ʒ��Ƶ has equipped her with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry, she seeks to further her studies at institutions like UNC Chapel Hill, UGA, or MIT, where she can delve deeper into bioinformatics research.

Bendickson's story exemplifies the transformative power of education and the endless potential of interdisciplinary exploration. As she continues her academic journey, Bendickson stands as an inspiration for aspiring scientists everywhere, proving that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.