Honors Independent Research Study

"Synthesis of Compounds to Investigate Catechol-O-methyltransferase Inhibition"

Quinn Ferebee ’26

This summer, Quinn Ferebee '26 focused on improving future treatment and research options for Parkinson's Disease. Working alongside Professor Dr. Larryn Peterson in the organic chemistry lab at Rhodes College, Quinn studied potential inhibitors for an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the human central nervous system. By synthesizing compounds and using an online enzyme docking program, Quinn assisted in research to broaden our understanding of how inhibitors affect enzymatic activity, which could lead to improved drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease and other dopamine deficiency-related diseases.

“Honors Independent Research Study (HIRS) has given me the chance to dive deep into a topic that I had never really considered. Before my research, I knew I was interested in chemistry, but during this experience, I have gotten to see how relevant it is in our daily lives,” Quinn said. “Hands-on experience in the lab has helped me really think about what I want to study in the future, and is something we are really lucky to gain through HIRS.”
 

Mentor: Dr. Larryn Peterson - Rhodes College, Department of Chemistry

"Comparing herbarium plant material with tissue from live plants for their ability to resist different bacteria"

Lucy Roberts '25

This past summer, St. Mary’s Episcopal School senior Lucy Roberts had a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research at the University of Memphis Institute for Agricultural and Conservation Research and Education (ACRE). Roberts partnered with researchers, including mentor Jennifer Mandel, PhD, ACRE director, on a project that began as a conversation to explore the intersection of biological sciences and public health.

Read more about Lucy's project here.

Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Mandel, Professor, University of Memphis, Biological Sciences

"Design and Development of Chitosan-based Materials and Composites for Dental/Orthopedic Implant Coatings"

Celine Kim ’26

Celine Kim ’26 was part of a team improving care for patients with dental and orthopedic implants. She joined Biomedical Engineering Professor Dr. Joel Bumgardner’s biomaterials lab at the University of Memphis to study new forms of tissue engineering and biomedical implants. They worked on creating nanofiber membranes from chitosan. Specifically, Celine has worked on treating the membranes and testing their properties. 

“Coming from St. Mary's to now being the only girl in my lab, I think HIRS has helped push me out of my comfort zone by adapting to new environments and exploring an unknown topic,” Celine said. “HIRS has helped me consider if this is something I would like to continue in the future.”

Mentor: Dr. Joel Bumgardner -  University of Memphis, Biomedical Engineering Department

"Social Factors that Influence Children’s Reading and Writing Levels" 

Parker Wells ’26 

For her HIRS project, Parker Wells ’26 collaborated with Psychology Professor Dr. Beth Meisinger at the University of Memphis on a research project focused on improving children’s reading fluency and comprehension later in life. Their study explored whether educators are adequately equipped to support young students as they learn how to read. As part of the project, Parker analyzed teacher preparation materials to determine whether they address gaps in the oral to silent reading transition as well as how to approach teaching students with different dialects. 

“This experience has given me a better insight as to what research options can be available to me in college or graduate school,” Parker said. “Before beginning HIRS, I thought that this program was solely for students interested in mixing chemicals in a lab, but it has shown me that research can be so much more than that. This program has helped me explore research that I am now interested in as a career in the future.” 
 

Mentor: Dr. Beth Meisinger - University of Memphis, Department of Psychology 

"The Discovery of New Reaction Products using Capillary Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry"

Alana Wade ’26

Alana Wade ’26 conducted research alongside Chemistry Professor Dr. Charles Garner at the University of Memphis, where they were exploring new organic reactions. They used gas chromatograph instruments to discover and understand new molecules formed in reactions.  

“I have learned that there are no limits within the realm of research. There are always more questions to ask, more unexpected results to investigate, and more possibilities to consider,” Alana said. “Now I understand that research rarely provides you with a final answer; it’s continuous learning. This experience has changed the way I think, not just in the lab, but also how I can approach problems in general.”

Mentor: Dr. Charles Garner - University of Memphis, Department of Chemistry 

"How Extraterritorial Voting Rights Have Changed Over Time"

Emma Thompson ’26

For her Honors Independent Research Project, Emma Thompson ’26 researched how election laws impact voting rights for citizens living abroad. She worked with University of Memphis Political Science Professor Dr. Elizabeth Wellman on a project studying extraterritorial voting rights and restrictions, and how current election laws impact non-resident citizens in various countries around the world. 

“At St. Mary’s, I have taken classes like Global Issues, AP World History, and AP Comparative Government, which have taught me about globalization and what that means for voting. This research has allowed me to explore its direct impact,” Emma said. “HIRS has given me the opportunity to explore a topic that I hope to study in college. It has given me the unique experience of doing research on my own and having to independently problem solve.”

Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Wellman - University of Memphis, Department of Political Science

"Analyzing CAR-T and Bite immunotherapies for multiple myeloma, to understand and minimize side effects for optimal patient recovery"

Aleesha Awan ’26

Aleesha Awan ’26 focused on improving recovery for lymphoma patients by analyzing CAR-T treatment, a type of immunotherapy. She worked with Oncologist Dr. Jason Chandler at The West Clinic to study patients’ disease experience and treatment protocol to then collect and analyze data about their health post-treatment.

“I've learned a lot about medical research and how it may be different from other types of research,” Aleesha said. “I've never worked in a clinic or research lab, so HIRS and the West Clinic showed me the behind-the-scenes, which gives me a new appreciation for how much work is put into medical research, working towards advances in healthcare.”

Mentor: Dr. Jason Chandler - The West Clinic
 

"The Application and Interpretation of Immigration Law in Asylum Cases"

Jocelyn Oropeza ’26

Jocelyn Oropeza ’26 worked with immigration lawyer Colton Bane on asylum cases, primarily serving as a translator while also helping file case applications. Through this experience, Jocelyn is learning more about the rapidly evolving elements of immigration law and witnessing the process firsthand. 

“HIRS has given me the opportunity that I would not have had otherwise,” Jocelyn said. “I’ve had the chance to be in court during Master Calendar Hearings, witness protests, and I’ve had to be either the bearer of good or bad news when translating. This experience has given me the opportunity to explore a profession I am interested in.”

Mentor: Mr. Colton Bane - Community Legal Center