The Judson College Honors Program hosted project presentations on April 20 and May 13, 2016. The events showcased the scholarly achievements of academically distinguished students enrolled in the Honors Program. To participate in the Honors Program, students must maintain a 3.5 grade point average and be recommended by a faculty member who serves as a project sponsor. Students completing all Honors Program requirements receive special recognition at graduation, and their works are bound and displayed in Judson’s Bowling Library.
The Honors events began with remarks from Susan Jones, Senior Vice-President and Dean of Students, and Dr. Scott Bullard, Senior Vice-President and Academic Dean, and with an invocation led by Dr. Stacey Parham, Associate Professor of English. Judson seniors Margie Gunter, Hannah Patterson, Laura Thompson, and Kristi Wise presented research as the 2016 distinguished Honors Program graduates.
Margie Gunter of Camden, Ala., presented her research entitled “‘Hello J-Town!’ The Role of Judson NOW as a Tool for Retention, Creativity, Involvement, and Academic Achievement.” Gunter’s work included a case study, a survey, and interviews to assess the effects of Judson NOW, the YouTube channel she produced. Gunter was guided in her research by faculty sponsors Dr. Robert Metty, Assistant Professor of Education, and Dr. Camilla Horne, Assistant Professor of Music.
Hannah Patterson of Mountain Brook, Ala., presented her research entitled “Oxidation of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals by Trametes versicolor Laccase” on April 20. Her work explored the removal of harmful chemicals in wastewater through the use of a commonly found fungus. Patterson was guided in her research by faculty sponsors Dr. Kristopher McConnell, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Dr. Corey M. Johnson of Samford University.
Laura Thompson of Dothan, Ala., presented her research entitled “Environmental Analysis of the Cahaba River in Perry County.” Thompson developed a protocol for monitoring the water quality at the local Eiland Research Laboratory. Thompson was guided in her research by faculty sponsors Dr. Kristopher McConnell, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Dr. Jeremy Olson, Assistant Professor of Chemistry.
Kristi Wise of Pensacola, Ala., presented research entitled “The Use of Bisphosphonates to Treat Navicular Syndrome in Horses,” explaining the devastating effects of navicular syndrome on the horse industry. In her work, Wise researched two newly developed drugs to help alleviate the pain and symptoms of navicular syndrome, and she completed a case study using one treatment on her own mare’s broken navicular bone. Wise’s research was guided by faculty sponsors Dr. Pamela Mitcham, Assistant Professor of Equine Science, and Jennifer Hoggle, Assistant Professor of Equine Science.
The Honors Program Committee is chaired by Dr. Lesley Sheek, Associate Professor of Education, and other members include Dr. Scott Bullard, Senior Vice-President and Dean of the College, Ex Officio; Dr. Sadie Goodman, Assistant Professor of Music; Dr. Jeremy Olson, Assistant Professor of Chemistry; Dr. Stacey Parham, Associate Professor of English; and Hannah Patterson, President of the Student Government Association.