Due to inclement weather, the following locations will be closed on Thursday, February 20: LMU-Cedar Bluff, LMU-Corbin, LMU-Duncan School of Law, LMU-Harrogate, LMU-Tower, LMU-Knoxville, LMU-Lexington, LMU-Ewing. Seated classes at these locations will meet virtually, and students should check Canvas for alternative assignments.
Offices at those locations are also closed for February 20.
Two Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) College of Mathematics, Sciences, and Health Professions students showcased their research at the 75th Annual Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (SERMACS) in Atlanta, Georgia. Briana Martinez and Hannah Cure presented their research, representing LMU among the region's top scientists and students.
Martinez presented findings from her collaborative research with Presley Cole, an LMU graduate from the Class of 2024. Their study focused on developing a novel synthesis of a fluorinated derivative of phenytoin, an antiseizure medication marketed as Dilantin. Their results suggest that this new molecule exhibits prolonged drug action due to its slower metabolism by the liver compared to traditional phenytoin.
Cure’s research, supported by a Ledford Scholar Award from the Appalachian College Association, centered on synthesizing fluorinated derivatives of acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol. She assessed the lipophilicity of these derivatives, a key factor in drug bioavailability, and examined their liver metabolism rates, which are crucial in understanding acetaminophen-induced liver damage. Her research provides valuable insights into potential ways to mitigate the risks associated with acetaminophen toxicity.
"At LMU, our students engage in meaningful, hands-on research that goes beyond the classroom," said Dr. Adam Rollins, Executive Dean of the College of Mathematics, Sciences, and Health Professions. "Briana and Hannah’s projects are not routine lab exercises, they are novel contributions to scientific knowledge. Opportunities like these prepare our students for successful careers and equip them to make a lasting impact in their fields and in service to others."
Dr. Thomas Shell, associate professor of chemistry, served as the research mentor for both students. LMU continues to foster an environment where students engage in meaningful research, preparing them for impactful careers in the sciences.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
