Gardner-Webb Honors Students Present Research at Southern Regional Honors Conference

Honors Scholars Gain Experience Presenting Research Beyond the Classroom

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Honors Program students recently showcased their scholarship at the Southern Regional Honors Conference (SRHC), held in Montgomery, Ala. The annual conference brought together over 700 high-achieving students, along with faculty, and administrators from across the southern United States for three days of research presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. More than 300 students and faculty shared their research through posters or podium presentations at the event.

“Honors is more than coursework and thesis publications,” noted Director of University Honors and Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Wilson Hawkins. “Through conference travel our students build research projects, present to their peers, and network with other universities. Stepping out of your comfort zone, exploring new places, meeting new people, and building your resume is what it’s all about! I couldn’t be more proud of our students!”

Hosted by the Southern Regional Honors Council, the conference serves honors programs in 11 states and is the council’s signature event. The conference is distinctive in its student-centered focus, featuring original research and creative work across disciplines including STEM, social sciences, business, humanities, and the arts.

On the first day of the conference, the students toured Montgomery and learned about the historic city through a four-hour walking program called, “City as Text.” They were guided through confederate and slave trade monuments, slave trade river ports, museums, etc. This included the Rosa Parks memorial, the Rosa Parks Museum, the first Confederate States of America Capital monuments and buildings, and The Legacy Museum.

On the second and third days, students attended the Graduate School Fair to network and learn about the programs offered at several graduate schools. Also on these days, students presented their research. 

Among the student presenters was Abigail Lauerman of Fort Mill, S.C. A junior double majoring in psychology and theatre, she presented her poster, “Creative Pathways to Mental Health: The Importance of Music and Art Therapy.” Lauerman’s research examined how these therapies can improve emotional resilience, reduce anxiety, and support overall mental health across different populations.

“I chose my research topic, because I am very interested in mental health and creative ways to support emotional well-being,” Lauerman related. “As someone who hopes to work with children as a child life specialist, I was especially drawn to music and art therapy because they offer nonverbal ways for individuals to express themselves.”

Lauerman said the opportunities she’s experienced in the Gardner-Webb Honors Program played a key role in preparing her to present at the academic conference. “Being in the Honors Program has allowed me to challenge myself academically and grow as a student,” she asserted. “Presenting my research helped me build confidence in public speaking, improve my communication skills, and connect with others who share similar academic interests.”

She also reflected on the supportive environment at Gardner-Webb and her involvement in the Honors Program. “My experience at Gardner-Webb and in the Honors Program has been very rewarding,” Lauerman said. “The conference was a great opportunity to showcase my work and gain a deeper appreciation for the research process. I’ve felt encouraged to step outside of my comfort zone, and I’ve really enjoyed serving as the publicist for the Honors Program.”

Hannah White, a junior chemistry major from Bluefield, Va., presented “X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry as a Non-Destructive Analysis Method of American Artifacts.” Her research examined how X-ray fluorescence spectrometry can identify the elemental composition of artifacts, such as arrowheads, without damaging them.

“Preservation of artifacts and forensic evidence is important,” White explained. “X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is a non-destructive method of analysis. I chose this topic because I am interested in forensic science and new ideas for how to preserve evidence collected at crime scenes.”

She added that her project strengthened her interest in forensic science and future research. White said she values the professional experience and networking opportunities gained through participating in the Honors Conference.

Another chemistry student, Taylor Sollie, a junior from Waynesville, N.C., presented “Exploration of Infrared Spectroscopy as a Potential Method to Identify Trace Evidence as Nail Polish.” Sollie, who is majoring in chemistry with minors in biology and forensic science, tested infrared spectroscopy as a tool for identifying paint samples found at crime scenes.

“I chose this topic because I want to be a forensic chemist,” she stated. “I learned that the 16 nail polishes I tested—a variety of brands and kinds—produced almost the exact same spectra. This showed that if an unknown paint chip is found, it can easily be identified as nail polish because it has a distinct spectrum.”

Emmy Bowen, a junior psychology and sociology major from Boiling Springs, presented research titled “Children and Divorce: What You Should Know.” Her work focused on the psychological and sociological effects of post-divorce environments on children and highlighted potential interventions to support well-being.

“This topic doesn’t have a lot of research, even though a huge portion of the U.S. population is affected by it,” Bowen observed. “I wanted people to know about interventions and things that could possibly help children through a difficult time.”

In the STEM and health sciences category, Hodges McCathern, a junior biochemistry major from Lexington, S.C., presented research connected to his honors thesis titled “Environmental Fate of DDT and Implications for Neurological Health.” His work explores a potential link between exposure to DDT—a pesticide widely used during World War II—and increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

“My hope is that my research can help raise awareness about this issue and promote further study into the long-term effects of DDT and the causes of Parkinson’s disease,” McCathern said.

Reflecting on his experience in Honors, he added, “Through the Honors Program, I have presented research at conferences from coast to coast. Getting to interact with people who are as passionate about their research as I am has been eye-opening and has helped me become more confident as I begin applying to medical school.”

By presenting research beyond the classroom, Gardner‑Webb Honors students gained hands‑on experience that complements their academic studies and reflects the University’s mission to equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and purpose needed to lead and serve in a rapidly changing world.

Honors Conference Participants

Seven students presented at the event; their research topics ranged from dermatological disease to neurological health.

Podium Presentations:

• Bella Harding — “Morphea Skin Disease.”
• Hodges McCathern — “Environmental Fate of DDT and Implications for Neurological Health.”

Poster Presentations:

• Abigail Lauerman — “Creative Pathways to Mental Health: The Importance of Music and Art Therapy.”
• Emerald Bowen — “Children and Divorce: What You Should Know.”
• Bella Harding — “Morphea.”
• Hannah White — “X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry as Non-Destructive Analyzing Method of American Artifacts.”
• Taylor Sollie — “Exploration of Infrared Spectroscopy as a Possible Method to Identify Trace Evidence as Nail Polish.”

Attendees:

• KJ Battle.
• Naliah Codjovi.
• Janae Smith.
• Addie King.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.