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Honors Independent Research Study

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Discover Your Passion Through Hands-On Research

At St. Mary’s, the Honors Independent Research Study (HIRS) program offers rising seniors a unique opportunity to explore a topic of their choosing, through original, college-level research.

Over six months, students delve into questions that ignite their curiosity, build connections with field experts, and gain invaluable experience in research and critical thinking.

Led by Dr. Anna Bess Sorin, the program begins in the spring of junior year. Students collaborate with a mentor to define their research focus and spend the summer engaging in hands-on work.

In the fall, participants are in class with Dr. Sorin where they craft a comprehensive research paper and present their findings at the HIRS Symposium. Since its inception in 2010, the HIRS program has equipped students with advanced skills in writing, presenting, and professional collaboration—preparing them for success in college and beyond.

Examples of Past Projects

HIRS students explore topics ranging from biomedical engineering and public policy to environmental conservation, guided by mentors from prestigious organizations such as the Memphis Zoo, Campbell Clinic, and the University of Memphis. Here are a few examples of how students have brought their passions to life.

Kim Huang '25
Kim Huang '25

"3-D Bioprinting of Improved Tissue Scaffolds"

Kim Huang '25

"I worked in Dr. Gary Bowlin's tissue regeneration lab at the University of Memphis. Using an electrospinning machine, I designed tissue scaffolds for spinal discs as a safer replacement for other invasive spinal disc surgeries. My goal is to produce a scaffold that is mechanically similar to native spinal discs and prepare the scaffold for cell seeding.

Aside from a deep understanding of various academic subjects like biology, physics, and engineering, my time in my lab has taught me to think critically, troubleshoot, and be resourceful. Because my professor encouraged me to pursue my own research topic, I learned to be creative with scientific solutions and think outside of the box. I really valued being in a real university lab -- it all but strengthened my decision to pursue biomedical engineering in college."

Mentor: Dr. Gary Bowlin - University of Memphis, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Eshaal Hassan '25
Eshaal Hassan '25

"Utility of Meal Planning App in Helping Patients’ Adhere to Treatment Plan"

Eshaal Hassan '25

"This summer at Church Health, I worked alongside Mrs. Kimberly Boone MS, RDN, LDN to research the efficacy of meal planning apps on chronic diseases such as obesity. Church Health's Nutrition Hub uses Eatlove as its meal planning platform for its nutrition patients. My project focuses on assessing the role of Eatlove in aiding patients with weight management. The objective was to analyze how Eatlove, which provides personalized meal recommendations based on users' dietary preferences and health goals, contributes to weight control.

Through this project, I learned about the value of a holistic approach to weight management. Because Eatlove caters to users’ specific dietary needs, health goals, and preferences, it makes meal planning more engaging and sustainable, leading to better outcomes in weight management as I saw with my results. Furthermore, technology such as Eatlove can incorporate holistic features, leading to sustainable and long-term weight management solutions instead of temporary fixes for health."

Mentors: Mrs. Kimberly Boone and Mrs. Sharoon Moore - Church Health Center

Mary Porter Feild ’25
Mary Porter Feild ’25

"Analyzing Zinc Compounds Related to Antibiotic Resistance"

Mary Porter Feild '25

"I conducted research in both inorganic and organic chemistry at Rhodes College. I did this under Dr. Eckenhoff, an inorganic chemist, and Dr. Peterson, an organic chemist. I commuted to Rhodes during the month of July and researched the binding of antibacterial drugs to enzymes.

I learned that research is consistently ongoing and often prompts more questions than answers. This was a fascinating realization for me because I initially suspected research would be much more conclusive. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in HIRS and would like to continue research in college or graduate school."

Mentors: Drs. William Eckenhoff and Larryn Peterson - Rhodes College, Department of Chemistry

2024 HIRS Symposium Presentations

Join the Exploration

The HIRS program empowers students to go beyond the classroom, tackling real-world challenges and making meaningful contributions to their chosen fields. From analyzing the effects of storytelling on early childhood development to synthesizing hydrogen catalysts for renewable energy, HIRS participants gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of their academic and career interests.

If you’re ready to explore your passions, think critically, and build connections that last a lifetime, St. Mary’s is your opportunity to shine.

Schedule a tour today

Anna Bess Sorin

Anna Bess Sorin

US Science Teacher & Director of Honors Independent Research