Dr. Amy Wethington, Associate Professor of Biology, is the 2018 recipient of the Chowan University McDowell Columns Scholar Prize.

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the McDowell Columns Scholar Prize is presented to a faculty member for his or her scholarly and/or creative activities during the previous academic year. Wethington’s research primarily focused on freshwater mollusks during the 2017-2018 academic year.

Wethington had two articles accepted for publication and presented “Systematics and phylogeography of a biologically invasive cosmopolitan freshwater snail, Physa acuta” at the Annual Meeting of Association of Southeastern Biologists. She was invited to give two talks; one at the University of Alabama and one at Newberry College in South Carolina.  Wethington attended multiple conferences and meetings for professional development and submitted grants to support her research.

Wethington earned the Ph.D. in biological science from the University of Alabama. She holds a Master of Arts degree in evolutionary ecology and behavior from Indiana University, and a Master of Science degree in marine biology from the University of Charleston. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the College of Charleston, and a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Clemson University.

Wethington maintains professional affiliations with the Animal Behavior Society, Association of Southeastern Biologists, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and Southeastern Writers Association. She participates in multiple professional organizations and has served in leadership capacities.

The prize consists of a cash award and a book style clock showcasing a photo of the historic McDowell Columns Hall, engraved with the recipient’s name. Journal articles, books, reviews, works within a book, articles in a reference book, presentations, dissertations, theses, artwork, recordings, performances, works accepted for publication or exhibition, works under review, grants, and professional leadership positions are all types of scholarly activities recognized during the selection process.

Other 2018 McDowell Columns Scholar Prize finalists included Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Christopher E. Cook, Associate Professor of Physical Science Dr. James K. Dame II, Distinguished Professor of English Dr. John H. Davis, and Assistant Professor of Art Dr. Jacob M. Muldowney.

Please join Chowan University in congratulating Dr. Amy Wethinginton on her achievement!