The Honors Program again had the privilege of organizing Judson’s Student Research Day. Nominated by faculty, students from across campus shared their projects with an enthusiastic audience. Among the participants were several Honors students:
Senior biochemistry major Andrew Kennedy presented on his work on “Using CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Technologies to Study and Treat Cancer.” The CRISPR-Cas9 genetic editing system has quickly gained popularity within the scientific community for its cheap, easy to use protocol for editing the genome. The technology has garnered attention for the potential it has to revolutionize how we approach disorders that are based on genetic abnormalities. Cancer, one of the world’s leading killers, is one such disorder, making it a prime target for researchers and clinicians to use CRISPR as a form of treatment. Using CRISPR-Cas9 to study and treat small changes in a patient’s genome opens new doors for the future of both medicine and biotechnology.
Sophomore Intercultural Leadership major James Fleshman shared his study of “Romans 8:18-39 and the Role of the Spirit in Sonship.” Throughout this passage, Paul argues that the Holy Spirit intercedes on behalf of creation and humanity to bring the redemption God intends, which is currently in the “not yet” state. God is in the process of glorifying believers in the eschaton, and he is the one who justifies believers to make this possible. Ultimately, Paul affirms that believers are strong because they are unable to be separated from God as his adopted children, upholding Paul’s rhetorical argument throughout the passage.
Sophomore Architecture major Max Starcevich discussed his study of Göbekli Tepe, an ancient architectural site located in Turkey dating from around at least 9,000 B.C. Titled “Houses or Temples? Reassessing the Function of Göbekli Tepe,” the study examines recent research and offers a more nuanced consideration of the site, suggesting that these structures were not temples, but rather houses with religious meaning embedded in them. If true, this discovery has bearing on current conceptions of the dawn of history and the connection between the residential and the religious.
A lunch in honor of the presenters, sponsored by the Office of the Provost, included faculty nominators and Judson leadership.
Thanks to all who participated!
The Honors Program at Judson University 