birdwell places second in national competition showcasing cancer research project
lipscomb students have unique undergraduate research opportunities.
kim chaudoin |
audrey birdwell with alan bradshaw, dean of the honors college.
世界杯2022预选赛录像回放 senior audrey birdwell, a double major in molecular biology and spanish, recently earned national recognition by placing second in the mathematics and science division of the national collegiate honors council’s annual conference poster competition.
the competition, held in kansas city in november, showcased a research project birdwell has been working on for the past three years research on breast cancer cell migration under the mentorship of josh owens, assistant professor of biology and undergraduate research coordinator at lipscomb.
birdwell’s poster, titled “elucidating the effect of carnitine-dependent fat metabolism inhibition in breast cancer cell migration,” highlights her exploration of how a microbial metabolite, valerobetaine (vb), impacts breast cancer metastasis. through her research, birdwell discovered that cells treated with vb exhibit reduced proliferation and migration compared to untreated cells. she has since expanded her work to investigate the carnitine shuttle as a potential mechanism behind these effects.
“presenting the experiments i’ve conducted in the lab is one of my favorite things,” birdwell shared. “it’s such an incredible opportunity to meet new people, learn about other scientists’ work, and share my own with the broader scientific community.”
an honors college student, birdwell’s work reflects a journey that began during her first semester at lipscomb when she joined owens’ lab as a freshman.
“i entered dr. owens' research lab as a first-semester freshman with hopeful spirits and an eager heart to learn more about science,” she recalled. “dr. owen's lab researches the effects of a novel microbial metabolite valerobetaine (vb) on breast cancer metastasis. i originally started out as an undergraduate researcher, to slowly gain the title of research lead for the migrational research under dr. owens.”
i chose lipscomb for its academic rigor, supportive community and christian foundation. this university has prepared me not only for graduate school but also for a life rooted in faith and service.
— audrey birdwell
“audrey is truly exceptional, combining academic brilliance, scientific curiosity and personal humility in a way that sets her apart," said owens. "her insatiable curiosity and tireless work ethic have already made her an award-winning researcher, and i have no doubt she will become a world-class scientist.”
as birdwell’s research in owens’ lab expanded it became partially funded by an undergraduate grant she received from tribeta national biology honor society in 2023 to further her studies. in addition to her research, birdwell said mentoring fellow students is her favorite part of the experience.
“i love showing others the beauty and complexity of science one experiment at a time,” she said.
for birdwell, the recognition is a reflection of the support and encouragement she’s received at lipscomb. “i’m filled with gratitude for my professors, dr. owens, and the honors college for pushing me to excel and providing me with opportunities to grow my skills and critical thinking,” birdwell said. “this honor wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
owens said, "what sets great researchers apart is not just their academic ability or scientific prowess but their capacity to tell compelling stories through their work. audrey’s achievement at the nchc's poster session is a testament to her ability to engage, inspire, and convey complex ideas with clarity. i am eager to see the many impactful scientific stories she will share throughout her career.”
in addition to her research and studies, birdwell is very active in the lipscomb community. she president of the undergraduate admissions ambassadors, a lipscomb campus tour guide, president of the tribeta biology honor society, vice president of alpha chi national honor society, treasurer of phi sigma and an active member of the greek club. these roles have honed her leadership and communication skills, preparing her for life beyond college.
a native of cookeville, tennessee, birdwell is on track to graduate in may 2025. her future plans include pursuing a doctoral degree in immunology and cancer research, with the ultimate goal of becoming a biology professor. she credits lipscomb for laying the foundation for her ambitions.
“i chose lipscomb for its academic rigor, supportive community and christian foundation,” birdwell said. “this university has prepared me not only for graduate school but also for a life rooted in faith and service.”
as birdwell reflects on her time at lipscomb, she acknowledges the lasting impact of the friendships she’s made, the confidence she’s gained, and the growth she’s experienced academically, spiritually, and professionally.
“lipscomb has given me the ability to flourish in so many ways,” she said. “i’m excited to take what i’ve learned here and thrive wherever life takes me.”