1. Belmont Senior Undergraduate Wins Prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Lauralee Hurst poses next to her research board as she presents at the University of Texas at Austin in July, 2022.

As Belmont senior Lauralee Hurst graduates with double majors in chemistry and physics, she leaves an impressive legacy of academic excellence, research impact and leadership. These traits earned Hurst a spot in the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP).

Zoom out: The NSF GRFP is an ultra-competitive five-year fellowship program that funds three years of a recipient’s graduate research.

Around 12,000 graduate students apply each year and only 2,000 are awarded the fellowship.

Pioneering research: From developing a hypothetical lunar rover proposal for NASA to performing research at the University of Texas at Austin and Cornell University, Hurst has been on the cutting edge of undergraduate research throughout her four years at Belmont.

What’s next: Hurst will pursue her Ph. D. in chemistry at the University of Texas in the fall.

Quoted: “If my work had any impact on the Belmont community, I hope it was to encourage research, service and academics. That’s the legacy I hope I’ve left.”

2. Beetles, Bugs, & Butterflies Summer Camp Returns

Dr. Steve Murphree educating a camper while showcasing an insect in his hand outdoors.

Belmont's longest-running summer camp, "Beetles, Bugs & Butterflies," will once again delight young scientists this summer with two sessions led by biology professor Dr. Steve Murphree.

Inspiring passion for science: The camp, dating back to 1992, allows first-through-sixth graders to explore the world of insects through hands-on activities and bug catching adventures.

For over three decades, the camp has introduced students to biology fieldwork while fostering their love of science. Some camp alumni have gone on to become Belmont science majors themselves.

Lasting impact: For some campers, Murphree has become more than just the ‘bug guy’ at Belmont.

"Dr. Murphree's influence goes beyond insects — it's about finding a community that supports your growth," said Belmont alumna Dr. Kara Garrett ('18), who attended and later volunteered at the camp. "He became an invaluable mentor to me."
"I keep doing it because I enjoy facilitating the children's learning and seeing them get excited about insects,” said Murphree.

3. CSM Students Create New Ways of Facilitating Community

Past CSM Journal Club Poster

Already in 2024, two student-led initiatives have provided new avenues for connection among CSM’s undergraduate researchers.

Graduating senior Dean Boecher founded the CSM Scientific Journal Club to provide students a relaxed environment to share research, encourage learning and build community within CSM.
Rising senior Maddy Ford started the CSM Pre-Graduate Club to strengthen bonds within the pre-graduate community by hosting application workshops, panels and providing mentorship opportunities.

Zoom out: These student-founded groups showcase CSM’s inspired student body and its commitment to enhancing the overall research experience.

"I have already witnessed connections beginning to form within our community," Ford noted on the Pre-Graduate Club's early impact.

The initiatives foster collaboration, skill-building and a tighter network among Belmont's future scientists and mathematicians during their undergraduate years.

4. Psychology Student Heads to Cambridge to Study Intersection of Science and Religion

Gwen Butler poses in front of Cambridge University.

Through an exclusive partnership between Belmont's College of Science and Mathematics and The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, CSM students can dive deeper into the intersection of religion and science while studying abroad in Cambridge, England.

How it works: Coursework showcases the intersection of scientific and theological ideas through classes like Creation & Evolution and Cognition & Faith.

The program exposes students to the distinctive European tutorial-style teaching by world-class educators at the Lucy Cavendish College.
“Students should take advantage of this opportunity for the history, the rigor and the city,” said Dr. Linda Jones, associate dean of CSM.

Leading the way: Junior psychology student Gwen Butler was Belmont's first participant in the spring 2024 program.

“It was a dream to study at Cambridge. I interacted with people from vastly different backgrounds, which was so eye-opening," Butler shared.

More information regarding this study abroad opportunity is available on Belmont’s study abroad website.

5. CSM Hosts Second Annual Spring Picnic

A large group of students pose for a photo at the CSM Spring Picnic.

Earlier this spring, CSM hosted its second annual Spring Picnic, continuing a beloved new tradition.

A community celebration: The picnic provided students and faculty a chance to connect through friendly competition and fun activities.

The students claimed victory in the CSM Kickball Tournament for the second consecutive year.
Attendees also enjoyed food, Spikeball, volleyball and paint pouring.

The purpose: The picnic provides an opportunity to foster community across different majors, class years, and between students and professors.

"It offers such a great opportunity to bond with faculty and peers, which deepens relationships," said Caroline Avery, president of the Belmont Psychology Club.
"Students have the opportunity to slow down, practice gratitude, and reflect on friendship and personal growth," added Molly Georgas, president of Nu Rho Psi.

With another successful event, excitement is already building for the faculty's chance at kickball redemption next year!

Highlights

Dr. Michael Oliver (CSM - Psychology), Dr. Stephanie McClure (Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine), and Dr. Jarod Parrish (CPHS - Pharmacy) pose for a photo together in front of an interior wall.

Dr. Scott Hawley, professor of physics, gave a presentation titled, “The Creative Source: Examining the Latent Human Space between Music and AI,”
at The Conference for the Era of AI.
Dr. Chase Kinsey, assistant professor of biology, and members of the Locomotor Performance Lab participated in Biomechanics Day, an educational outreach event at Zoo Atlanta.
Dr. Michael Oliver, assistant professor of psychology, along with Dr. Jarod Parrish (CPHS - Pharmacy) and Dr. Stephanie McClure (Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine) were invited as faculty panelists to a pre-health event titled, “Common Misdiagnoses of African Americans in Medicine,” in collaboration with Dr. Marilyn Odom (CPHS - Pharmaceutical Sciences).

Students Selected to Summer Programs

Matthew Farnsworth, mathematics & economics double major junior, was accepted to the University of Minnesota's Equitable Data Science Research Experience for Undergraduates.
Karah Edmonds, biology junior, was accepted to the Yale University Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental biology summer program. She previously participated in the Belmont SURFS program.
Karly Kamman, neuroscience honors junior, was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania IDEAL Summer Undergraduate Internship Program. She previously participated in the Belmont SURFS and Summer Scholars programs.
Maddy Ford, biology honors junior, was accepted into the University of North Carolina Amgen Scholars Program. She researched at Vanderbilt University throughout the school year.
Alex Greve, computer science junior, was accepted into the Brown University Leadership Alliance Summer Research-Early Identification Program. Greve previously participated in the Belmont SURFS program.
Reagan Sellers, biology sophomore, was accepted into the Vanderbilt-Excellence in Cancer Research, Education, and Leadership (V-EXCEL) Program. Sellers previously participated in the Belmont SURFS program.

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