Gardner-Webb Summer Fellow Kyndal Jackson Furthers Research on Antimicrobials    

Her Project Adds to Ongoing Set of Experiments Conducted by Students in the Department of Natural Sciences

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Through a Summer Scholar Fellowship, Gardner-Webb University senior Kyndal Jackson extracted essential oil from ground caraway seeds. A meticulous process, her research could someday play a role in helping scientists discover purified compounds that inhibit bacterial growth (antimicrobials). The project is part of an ongoing set of experiments conducted by students in the Department of Natural Sciences.

Jackson, who is Gardner-Webb’s second Tucker Scholar, graduates in December and plans to continue her education in a physician assistant (PA) program. A biology/biomedical major with chemistry and Spanish minors, Jackson has always been fascinated by science. “I love being in the lab and I feel like this relates to medicine,” she offered. “I love research and coming here and learning new things. I feel like this fuels my passion for PA school.”

Summer Fellows (formerly Summer Undergraduate Research Scholars) apply for the opportunity to conduct focused research outside the boundaries of the classroom. They are awarded grants for room and board on campus as they devote approximately 40 hours per week to their projects. After their research experience, they are required to present, perform or publish their project by the end of the following academic year.

Jackson’s mentor for the summer was Dr. Ben Brooks, professor of chemistry. Their goal was to extract the oil from caraway seeds and prove its purity with spectroscopy and chromatography.

In the 2024 Fall Semester, Jackson will continue her research as the recipient of a competitive grant from North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Brooks and Dr. Meredith Rowe, associate professor of biology, will be her advisors then. “This research will potentially strengthen preliminary results and extensively test the antimicrobial resistance of caraway seed oil with common skin microbiota,” Jackson shared. “With expanded research, healthcare professionals can access a broader range of evidence-based information about essential oils and develop guidelines and recommendations for their safe and effective use in various medical conditions.”

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. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.