Science, discovery, and regional impact at Chowan University
By Dr. John DilustroAs Provost of Chowan University, I am reminded often that a university's impact extends far beyond economics. A 2015 study commissioned by the University of North Carolina System, the North. . .
. John DilustroAs Provost of Chowan University, I am reminded often that a university's impact extends far beyond economics. A 2015 study commissioned by the University of North Carolina System, the North Carolina Community College System, and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) found that Chowan contributes $23. 7 million annually to the local economy. While that is an important measure, a university's greatest impact is found in the knowledge it creates, the opportunities it provides, and the ways it strengthens the communities it serves. The past academic year has been an exceptional one for science education, research, and student achievement at Chowan. From nationally recognized publications to hands-on field experiences and innovative classroom technologies, our faculty and students continue to demonstrate that meaningful scientific discovery thrives right here in northeastern North Carolina. That momentum began in November 2025 when biology majors Elizabeth Ingle, Lyniah Lee, and Justin Peterson presented research at the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium at Elon University. Working alongside faculty mentors Dr. Hoon Lee and Dr. Torrence Gill, they presented projects exploring protein bioinformatics related to amyloid diseases and the potential use of thymol to inhibit fungal growth on wheat seeds. One of the year's most significant achievements came in February when Chowan biology faculty and alumni published Unearthing Soil Biodiversity Through Collaborative Genomic Research and Education in Nature Genetics, one of the world's leading journals in genetics and genomics. Faculty members Dr. Lia Walker and Dr. Torrence Gill, together with 2025 graduates Alex Brown and Joshua James, contributed through the BioDiversity and Informatics for Genomics Scholars (BioDIGS) project. This nationwide collaboration represents one of the largest soil microbiome studies ever conducted and has already led to the discovery of more than 1,000 previously unidentified bacterial strains and microorganisms. Their contributions to this project and other scholarly work earned Dr. Walker and Dr. Gill the 2026 McDowell Columns Scholar Prize for outstanding scholarly achievement. Student success continued throughout the spring. Nine biology students were inducted into Chowan University's Pi Upsilon Chapter of Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta), the national honor society for the biological sciences, recognizing academic excellence and dedication to the field. This spring also provided opportunities to connect science with our community. Whitaker Library hosted the North Carolina Botanical Garden's Saving Our Savannas exhibit, highlighting the importance of protecting the Southeast's rapidly disappearing longleaf pine ecosystems. During the exhibit, I shared experiences from my conservation work at the University of Georgia and discussed how conservation supports healthy forests, clean water, wildlife, and the quality of life across our region. Innovation in teaching remained a priority throughout the year. Students in our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) course incorporated drone technology and ArcGIS StoryMaps into habitat documentation and environmental mapping projects connected to the Salmon Creek State Natural Area and the Tall Glass of Water Project in Bertie County. These experiences prepare students for careers using advanced technologies while strengthening their commitment to environmental stewardship. Research opportunities continued to expand in May when three biology students earned prestigious NCICU Undergraduate Research Program grants for the 2026–27 academic year. Under the mentorship of Dr. Torrence Gill, Kayla Parker and Shaindellie Clemons will investigate insect-virus interactions and sustainable approaches to crop health. Mentored by Dr. Hoon Lee, Anna Holcombe will examine human prion proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases through computational analysis. These grants allow students to conduct independent research while developing the analytical and technical skills essential for graduate study and scientific careers. The summer months have been equally productive. Biology majors have secured competitive internships in pharmacy, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, fisheries, and public health research, applying classroom knowledge in professional settings while exploring future careers. At the same time, Chowan's renowned Field Ecology course returned to North Carolina's Outer Banks under the leadership of Dr. James "Bo" Dame and Dr. Heather McGuire. Students conducted field investigations focused on biodiversity, coastal habitats, water quality, submerged aquatic vegetation, and bird populations while working alongside conservation organizations and research agencies. Beyond the course itself, Dr. Dame and Dr. McGuire engage students year-round in environmental research throughout northeastern North Carolina. From long-term bird monitoring and wetland restoration to habitat mapping, biodiversity inventories, and water quality assessments, these projects provide students with invaluable hands-on experience while generating data that supports conservation and natural resource management across the region. These accomplishments tell a powerful story. Chowan University's scientific impact extends from laboratory experiments and computational research to field studies conducted throughout eastern North Carolina. Our faculty are advancing knowledge while mentoring the next generation of scientists, and our students are applying modern scientific tools to real-world challenges through partnerships with government agencies, conservation organizations, and community stakeholders. Most importantly, these achievements remind us that meaningful scientific discovery is not confined to large research universities. It can happen here in Murfreesboro through dedicated faculty, talented students, and a university committed to learning, discovery, and service. We are proud of what our science faculty and students have accomplished this year and look forward to building on that momentum in the years ahead.