Every student at Maryville College completes a year-long research project called the Senior Study, whether the student’s major is Design, Management, Psychology, Biology, Criminal Justice or any of the other 40 major fields of study. These studies vary from laboratory experiments to forms of creative expression, and all Senior Study projects include a student and faculty mentor working together in discipline-specific scholarship. Use the drop-down menu to view examples of Senior Studies chosen by faculty as exemplary.

Student
Name
Major
Title
Supervisor

Hannah Cummings '16

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title

Tagetes Patula as a Companion Plant in East Tennessee Phaseolus Vulgaris Cultivation

Tagetes Patula as a Companion Plant in East Tennessee Phaseolus Vulgaris Cultivation

SuperVisor
Dr. Drew Crain
Dr. Drew Crain

Victoria Deal '19

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title

TLT-1: A Target for Immunotherapy and Molecular Prognostic Factor for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

TLT-1: A Target for Immunotherapy and Molecular Prognostic Factor for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

SuperVisor
Dr. Angela Gibson
Dr. Angela Gibson

David Lee Haskins '14

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title

Prey Base Species Composition of American Marten (Martes americana) in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan

Prey Base Species Composition of American Marten (Martes americana) in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan

SuperVisor
Dr. David Unger
Dr. David Unger

Chloe Kilpatrick '18

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title

Effects Of 17Α - Ethinylestradiol On Danio Rerio Hepatosomatic Index And Liver Composition

Effects Of 17Α - Ethinylestradiol On Danio Rerio Hepatosomatic Index And Liver Composition

SuperVisor
Dr. Jerilyn Swann, Dr. Drew Crain
Dr. Jerilyn Swann, Dr. Drew Crain

Mallory Kirkland '14

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title

Effects of the Antiepileptic Medication Valproic Acid Sodium Salt (VPA) on the Histological Bone Structure

Effects of the Antiepileptic Medication Valproic Acid Sodium Salt (VPA) on the Histological Bone Structure

SuperVisor
Dr. Drew Crain
Dr. Drew Crain

Kathryn Maley '19

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title

Success of American Chestnut Hybrid Saplings in a Walland, TN Backcross Seed Orchard

Success of American Chestnut Hybrid Saplings in a Walland, TN Backcross Seed Orchard

SuperVisor
Dr. Dave Unger
Dr. Dave Unger

Hannah Mattison '23

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title
Parasite Infection in Howler Monkeys, Alouatta palliata, at WildSun Rescue in Costa Rica
Parasite Infection in Howler Monkeys, Alouatta palliata, at WildSun Rescue in Costa Rica
SuperVisor
Dr. Drew Crain
Dr. Drew Crain

Cameron Moore '19

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title
Engineering a deletion construct of vibrio fischeri muri in escherichia coli
Engineering a deletion construct of vibrio fischeri muri in escherichia coli
SuperVisor
Dr. Jerilyn Swann
Dr. Jerilyn Swann

Shannon Reagan '20

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title
Analysis of electrostatic sprayer systems for disinfection in a school setting
Analysis of electrostatic sprayer systems for disinfection in a school setting
SuperVisor
Dr. Jennifer Brigati
Dr. Jennifer Brigati

Rebecca Roberson '22

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title
Population and Pals: A Study on the Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) of Cumberland Island and their Commensals
Population and Pals: A Study on the Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) of Cumberland Island and their Commensals
SuperVisor
Dr. Dave Unger
Dr. Dave Unger

Charles Russell '18

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title

Characterization and Quantification of Fibrinogen and TLT-1 Binding Properties

Characterization and Quantification of Fibrinogen and TLT-1 Binding Properties

SuperVisor
Dr. Angela Gibson, Dr. Jerilyn Swann
Dr. Angela Gibson, Dr. Jerilyn Swann

Alyssa Ward '19

Majors
Biology
Chemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Title

Investigating the impact of STLT-1 on Fibrinogen Thermal Stability and its susceptibility to coagulation and fibrinolysis

Investigating the impact of STLT-1 on Fibrinogen Thermal Stability and its susceptibility to coagulation and fibrinolysis

SuperVisor
Dr. Angela Gibson
Dr. Angela Gibson

Valerie Whitehead '18

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title

Population Dynamics Of The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina Carolina) In The Maryville College Woods, Maryville, Tennessee

Population Dynamics Of The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina Carolina) In The Maryville College Woods, Maryville, Tennessee

SuperVisor
Dr. David Unger
Dr. David Unger

Lauren Wilson '17

Majors
Biology
Biology
Title

Comparing Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) Production In Hydroponic And Aquaponic Systems

Comparing Basil (Ocimum Basilicum) Production In Hydroponic And Aquaponic Systems

SuperVisor
Dr. Drew Crain
Dr. Drew Crain