Samford University Howard College of Arts and Sciences

Our chemistry students recently presented at the 75th Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (SERMACS 2024) in Atlanta! 👏 Haley Roberts and Allison Sargent, mentored by Dr. Dale Wilger and Dr. Brian Gregory, presented research posters, while Dr. Molly Lockart’s group was awarded runner-up for best poster in the Magnetic Resonance Symposium! The conference offered a valuable opportunity for our students and faculty to showcase their research, learn from others and network within the scientific community. Full story here: https://lnkd.in/gbXXYbSy

Last week, the Geography & Sociology Department hosted Dogs with the D.O.G.S.—its department meet-and-greet on the quad! 🐾 We had a fantastic turnout, with students, faculty, staff, the President, and all HCAS deans joining us for an afternoon of connection and community. Thank you to everyone who came out!

Samford junior Kionna Ramsey came to campus with plans to pursue pediatrics, but a calling to ministry led her in a new direction. Now a Christian and Religious Studies major, Ramsey serves at the Center for Congregational Resources, working alongside Keri Burns and the Office of Student Success and Diversity to support local minority communities. Through her studies and mentorship with Howard College faculty including Dr. David Bains and Dr. Theresa Davidson, Ramsey explores how race, religion and justice intersect, envisioning a future that merges faith and social impact. https://lnkd.in/gEuafrri

🐍 Last Saturday, students in BIOL 399 – Special Topics: Venoms had an incredible opportunity at Zoo Atlanta! Guided by Dr. Joe Mendelson, the zoo’s director of research, Samford students learned about protocols for handling venomous snakes and observed the safe tubing of a sidewinder rattlesnake. After the behind-the-scenes tour, they explored the public exhibits, encountering venomous reptiles like the Komodo Dragon, Gaboon Viper and several species of rattlesnake, as well as some of Alabama’s native venomous snakes.

🔬 Looking for hands-on experience in biology? Join us for the Biology Summer Internship and Research Experience Workshop! Learn about summer opportunities, connect with peers and get tips for your applications. 📅 Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 🕐 1 p.m. 📍 Propst Hall 109 Don't forget to bring your laptop! For more details, contact Dr. Fincher at rmfinche@samford.edu.

Christian Sanchez, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, co-led research uncovering surprising resistance in the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to common cleaning agents. Published in "ACS Infectious Diseases," this study identifies effective new biocides that could reshape sanitation protocols in healthcare settings. “I hope our discovery of a new mechanism for effective disinfectants will lead to new biocides and improved sanitation practices,” said Sanchez. https://lnkd.in/gYbh--kH

Christian Sanchez, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, recently co-authored research uncovering resistance in a dangerous bacterial pathogen to widely used cleaning agents. Published in "ACS Infectious Diseases," the study found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant bacterium of particular concern in healthcare settings, resists common disinfectants. However, the team identified new biocides that may combat these resilient strains, providing critical insights for hospital sanitation. Professor Sanchez collaborated with chemists from Emory University and Villanova University, contributing to the development of novel disinfectants with promising results.

Today, in partnership with the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies, HCAS hosted the annual Holley-Hull Lecture featuring Dr. Lisa Bowens of the Princeton Theological Seminary. Bowens, a renowned scholar in African American biblical interpretations, delivered a set of insightful lectures at Reid Chapel, the Rotunda Club and Brock Forum. She explored the significance of African American interpretations of Paul and the impact of these theological insights on modern faith and pastoral ministry.

Interested in a career with the U.S. Foreign Service? 🌏 Samford's Global Engagement Office has partnered with Political Science and the Career Development Center (CDC) to bring you an exclusive event with Camille P. Dawson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. 📅 Nov. 6, 2024 🕒 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. 📍 Brock Forum (DBH 131) Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a top U.S. diplomat and explore global career paths!

Mary Parker, a 2024 international relations graduate from Dothan, Alabama, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar for the 2025 school year. Beginning in February, Parker will serve as a full-time English professor in Timor-Leste, a cultural and professional opportunity that aligns with her passion for international education and human rights. Read the full story below! https://lnkd.in/gevAiBFA