Gardner-Webb Students Engage in Summer Scholar Research Across Disciplines

Seven Fellows Conduct Faculty-Mentored Projects Spanning History, Science and Human Behavior

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—This summer, Gardner-Webb University undergraduate students are spending five weeks diving deeply into original research. They are exploring topics ranging from World War II history to human behavior, political extremism and biomedical science.

Through the University’s Summer Scholar Fellowship, seven students are working closely with faculty mentors to conduct independent research, develop creative projects or engage in service-learning initiatives. They receive hands-on experience that prepares them for graduate study and future careers.

The program is coordinated by Gardner-Webb Associate Professor of political science Dr. Elizabeth Amato, who serves as director of Undergraduate Research. Fellows may complete their work remotely or on campus, where residential participants receive room and board during the intensive term.

Among this year’s scholars is Allie Johnson, a rising senior history major with minors in professional education and psychology. Her project examines how the American Revolution has been romanticized in U.S. culture and how those narratives continue to shape public understanding of the nation’s founding. She also noted that these themes are often more prevalent during important anniversaries, such as the country’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

“The romanticization of the American Revolution means the tendency for U.S. citizens to mythologize the revolution as an epic struggle for liberty against tyranny, while also depicting the Founding Fathers as perfect heroes,” Johnson explained. “However, this view often glorifies the Founding Fathers in ways that were contradictory to their true characters … and often downplays the violence of the war and oversimplifies the motivations for revolution.”

Johnson said her interest in the topic grew from previous research on propaganda and revolutionary movements. “I have always been highly interested in the American Revolution,” she said. “Past research I have completed involving propaganda and revolutions guided me to analyze those two concepts within U.S. history.”

Through the fellowship, Johnson has been able to spend focused time developing both her research skills and content knowledge—something she sees directly connecting to her career. After graduation, Johnson plans to teach social studies in high school.

“Participating in the Summer Scholars Fellowship has allowed me to gain valuable research skills and content knowledge related to United States History,” she said. “Both of these insights will be useful in teaching my future students about the intricacies of the American Revolution and the importance of historical research.”

Johnson appreciates her faculty mentor, Dr. Timothy Vanderburg, and the knowledge he has shared with her. “Dr. Vanderburg has excellently guided me to helpful resources, provided insight on my topic and supported my research throughout my college career,” she said. “His expertise in U.S. history has been an invaluable resource.”

Session I Fellows

• Molly Blazer (History), mentored by Dr. Austin Collins, is researching the role of psychological analysis in the trials of Nazi officials, focusing on Hermann Göring and how psychiatric evaluations may have influenced outcomes during the Nuremberg Trials.
• Allie Johnson (History), mentored by Dr. Timothy Vanderburg, is researching how the American Revolution has been romanticized in U.S. culture, examining how educational narratives, cultural representations and ideas of American exceptionalism shape public understanding of the nation’s founding.

Session II Fellows

• Bella Harding (Psychology), mentored by Dr. Adam Davila, is exploring the use of engineered cells to produce messenger RNA that could help regulate hormone production, with potential therapeutic applications.
• Max Salerno (Political Science), mentored by Dr. Jim Rennie, is investigating psychological pathways contributing to radicalization in U.S. extremism and how those insights could inform intelligence analysis.
• Jacob White (Biology), mentored by Dr. Meredith Rowe, is studying how varying levels of ibuprofen exposure affect the movement of microscopic roundworms and whether prolonged exposure reduces the drug’s effectiveness.
• Slawka Ndubuisi (Psychology), mentored by Dr. David Carscaddon, is examining how social media use may influence feelings of inadequacy and perceptions of self-image.
• Hannah White (Chemistry), mentored by Jacob Willis, is analyzing how common medications break down under different conditions such as heat and light, with potential applications in forensic science.

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.