Presbyterian College

An English major with a concentration in communication studies and minor in creative writing, Presbyterian College senior Samantha Hauff built a toolbox of resources to have at the ready, no matter what life throws at her.

When Reece Bradberry first set foot on the campus of Presbyterian College, she never imagined she would one day be conducting microbiology research that could have implications for medicine and disease prevention. Now a junior biology major with a minor in public health, the Greenwood native has spent the past year working alongside Dr. Stuart Gordon, professor of biology, to better understand bacterial genetics and antibiotic resistance. Bradberry's research, funded through the South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE) program, focused on identifying bacteria capable of undergoing transposon mutagenesis-a process that allows scientists to study gene functions by inserting transposable elements into bacterial DNA. Over the summer, she and her research team collected and screened approximately 30 bacterial strains to identify candidates for further study.

Presbyterian College junior Lydia Awadalla's internship with Prisma Health in Greenville is more than just a step toward medical school-it's a chance to make a real difference in patients' lives. A biology major with minors in both chemistry and Spanish, Awadalla exemplifies the power of a liberal arts education in preparing students to bridge cultural and professional divides. Awadalla, who was born in Egypt and now calls Greenville home, has been interning with Prisma Health since last summer. Her role involves shadowing interpreters in the Spanish department, assisting in critical areas such as emergency rooms and OBGYN clinics. She also uses her knowledge of the hospital layout from previous volunteer work to help connect interpreters with the patients and staff who need them most.

When Reece Bradberry first set foot on the campus of Presbyterian College, she never imagined she would one day be conducting microbiology research that could have implications for medicine and disease prevention. Now a junior biology major with a minor in public health, the Greenwood native has spent the past year working alongside Dr. Stuart Gordon, professor of biology, to better understand bacterial genetics and antibiotic resistance. Bradberry's research, funded through the South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE) program, focused on identifying bacteria capable of undergoing transposon mutagenesis-a process that allows scientists to study gene functions by inserting transposable elements into bacterial DNA. Over the summer, she and her research team collected and screened approximately 30 bacterial strains to identify candidates for further study.

Presbyterian College junior Yasmeen Rasasi's road to higher education has been one of self-discovery, unwavering determination, and deep familial support. Born and raised in Greenville, Rasasi's journey has been shaped by her ethnic heritage, her mother's steadfast encouragement, and her relentless pursuit of a career in medicine.

Presbyterian College senior Cassidy Canfield is leveraging her academic journey to make a difference for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Inspired by personal ties and a desire to help others, Canfield's psychology capstone project focuses on reducing stigma faced by veterans with PTSD in her hometown of Columbia, S.C. Her dedication to understanding mental health and her enriching college experience exemplify the transformative impact of a Presbyterian College education.

For Presbyterian College physics student Jacob Clerc, research is more than a requirement. It is the gateway to hands-on learning and a future in scientific exploration. Supported by a NASA-affiliated grant, Clerc's work on magnetic granular materials allows him to collaborate closely with his faculty mentor, associate professor of physics Dr. Eli Owens, and gain valuable insight into the field while experiencing the depth of a research-focused education. Clerc, a senior from Aiken, S.C., was awarded a South Carolina NASA Space Grant Consortium's Undergraduate Research Fellowship to study the behavior of magnetic granular materials-substances that, unlike water, shift between solid- and liquid-like states without temperature changes. The project holds promise for applications in robotics, such as creating adaptive, "soft" grippers that could one day help astronauts manage delicate equipment or samples in space.

Presbyterian College senior Samantha Hauff '25 presented her senior capstone research on Honors Day during the Spring 2024 semester. Her research centered on a protest song covered by Pink Floyd and how it has become a rallying point for the war-torn nation.

Presbyterian College senior Mackenzie Partsch is conducting ground-breaking research focused on creating a low-cost prosthetic hand that uses granular jamming to improve grip strength. This fall, her dedication was recognized with an honorable mention at the Annual Southeastern Section of the American Physical Society Conference for her poster presentation on a low-cost, functional prosthetic device.

Presbyterian College sophomore Charlie Villeda-Nube gets firsthand experience in Korean culture during travels to South Korea.

In the course of one year, Presbyterian College senior Patrick Buchanan had his first academic article published, conducted multiple symposium presidentations, and completed two summer felllowships, the second hosted by the University of Chicago

At Presbyterian College, junior chemistry major Lasha Facey '26 is breaking new ground in carbon monoxide research alongside her professor, Dr. Kimberly De La Cruz. Their work focuses on developing prodrugs that could revolutionize the use of this typically feared gas.

Sixteen graduating education majors from Presbyterian College were offically welcoming into the teaching professions during the college's annual Teacher Induction Ceremony on May 12. The group recited the Oath For Graduating Educators after an inspirational address from Cinda Ginn, the Thornwell Charter School Teacher of the Year. During the ritual, the new teachers pledged to bring honor to the teaching profession, stated their dedication to the profession, and formally accepted their "obligation to improve the general condition of humanity, their responsibility to advance knowledge and cooperation, and their duty to promote the competence of their students."

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is proud to announce the recipients of a 2024 Love of Learning Award. The awards help fund post-baccalaureate studies and career development for active Society members.

Presbyterian College sophomore Aurelia Santoyo a major diversity and inclusion forum hosted by Bank of America's Enterprise Diversity Talent Acquisition Team at the InterContinental New York Times Square in New York City this spring. The forum was also an opportunity for the company to recruit future employees from diverse cultural backgrounds. Students interviewed for the Summer 2024 Analyst Program for several divisions - including wealth management, sales and trading, and finance. Santoyo is the first PC student to be invited to the diversity and inclusion forum and was encouraged to apply by Vance Professor of Economics and Business Administration Dr. Suzie Smith '82 at the behest of PC alumnus Dr. Gonzalo Asis '14. Asis, a former PC tennis player, is currently BofA's vice president of equity derivatives research.

Presbyterian College senior Ainslie Lane of Bixby, Okla., was named "Best Delegate" at the Southern Regional Model United Nations in Charlotte, N.C., this spring. Lane was joined by fellow PC students Ryan Seubarran, Dakota Price, and Gabriella Brinez-Parsi as delegates for the United Arab Emirates.

Presbyterian College's Outstanding Senior, Kennedy Wright of Greenville, S.C., was a keynote speaker at the college's 140th commencement on May 13. Wright, who also served as student body president and presidnet of the Multicultural Student Union, was also named Outstanding Senior in Management and earned both a Senior Achievement Award and an Academic Excellence Award for her career at PC.

Presbyterian College senior Anna West completed her political science capstone research on tree ordinances this spring to discover which cities are sustaining green space and why. After graduation, the Dacula, Ga., will begin her professional career as a lab scientist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection in the Atlanta metro area.

PC senior Mitchell Mercer of Fort Mill, S.C., was named Journalist of the Year for schools under 5,000 by the S.C. Press Association Collegiate Division at the spring meeting and awards ceremony at Clemson University. Mercer also took second place in column or editorial writing, first and second places for sports photographs, and third place for photo story in the division for smaller schools. In the open contest for all schools, Mercer claimed third place for video.