Yesterday, North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) revealed the names of the exceptional students who have been selected as the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Undergraduate Research Award. This year, 11 outstanding students from various NCICU institutions across the state were chosen for their work in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and psychology.

Among the recipients is Chowan University’s Ronaldo Williams,  a senior biology major and member of the men’s lacrosse team from Kingston, Jamaica. Williams’ research focuses on the potential of thymol to enhance wheat germination and early growth, providing a natural solution to combat common fungal infections and bolster crop resilience. Chowan University’s Assistant Professor of Biology, Dr. Torrence Gill, will assist Williams in his research. 

In addition to his research, Williams will also have the opportunity to participate in the 2024 SNCURCS Symposium, scheduled for the fall. There, he and the other participants will have the opportunity to share their research findings. 

About the Award:

The NCICU Undergraduate Research Award program aims to support students from NCICU’s 36 colleges and universities actively engaged in undergraduate research. The undergraduate research endowment, established by NCICU with generous contributions from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and other corporate and foundation donors, funds stipends of varying amounts based on the types of projects students are undertaking.

These talented students, classified as juniors or seniors for the 2024-2025 academic year, have demonstrated exceptional research skills and a dedication to academic excellence. They will have the esteemed opportunity to present their projects at the annual State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS), a collaborative initiative between NCICU and the University of North Carolina, further highlighting the importance of their work.

For more information about the NCICU Undergraduate Research Award and the upcoming SNCURCS Symposium, please visit the NCICU website.