Rhodes College faculty have a strong investment in training future scientists, according to Dr. Larryn Peterson, associate professor of chemistry. With a National Science Foundation grant, she and her team of students have been conducting research that is yielding big benefits. Erykah Starr ’20, Alexa Alana ’20, Ryan Marasco ’21, and Skyler Cochrane ’18 share their experiences on the team.

Clarence Day Scholar Russ Palmer ’21 earned the title of Battalion Commander in the ROTC program by the start of his senior year and was named cadet of the month last October, a national recognition that acknowledges the outstanding performance of an individual both in the classroom and in training.

Dr. Altovise Ewing graduated from Rhodes College in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and went on to receive a doctorate in genetics from Howard University. She now is one of the few Black Ph.D.-trained and board-certified genetic counselors in the United States.

Mathematics majors Lawton Walker and Evuilynn Nguyen recently presented posters at the annual Joint Mathematics Meeting, known as the world’s largest mathematics gathering. Both students are seniors and pursuing minors in computer science.

Members of Rhodes College’s storied and successful mock trial program haven’t let last year’s challenges of adapting to a virtual format defeat them. After competing in the regional mock trial tournament held online Feb. 6, Rhodes A team secured the college’s first bid to compete in the opening round of the National Championship Tournament.

Rhodes College biology alumna Morgan Fuller ’16 recently received the Student DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) of the Year award at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia. She is a candidate for the national Student DO of the Year award, which will be announced this spring and is hosted by the American Association of Colleges and Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Ross Sowell, assistant professor of computer science at Rhodes College, is the recipient of an $84,657 award funded by the National Science Foundation for a research project contributing to advances in robotics and creating appropriate policies governing collaborative robots’ deployment in various social situations and public spaces. Three Rhodes students also will contribute to the research project.

Professors Hotz, Loynes, Stoddard, Goodman, and Marchand will present talks on the theme of equity for The Academic Minute program.

Dr. Catie Welsh, associate professor of computer science at Rhodes College, is joining a distinguished roster of Fulbright U.S. Scholars this semester. She will be a visiting professor at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program—a prestigious educational exchange program—selects American scholars, artists, faculty, and professionals for their substantial experience and leadership to lecture and/or conduct research abroad for up to a year.

Rhodes College President Marjorie Hass has announced J. Carey Thompson, vice president for enrollment and communications, will leave the college in May to become vice president of enrollment and educational services at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania.