news-category: Academics Undergraduate Research Involves Using Fruit Peels to Remove Copper from Water By Office of University Communications On September 8, 2020 Experience Prepared Laura Herrera-Santin, 鈥�22, for Rigors of Graduate School This past summer, 成人视频 student Laura Herrera-Santin, of Gastonia, N.C., took another step toward realizing her goal of becoming an OB/GYN. She gained laboratory experience in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Summer Program, which helped to prepare her for graduate school. Herrera-Santin is a first-generation college student, inspired by the sacrifices her parents made so that she could get an education. 鈥淚 want to be able to give back to them for working so hard for me to have a better life,鈥� Herrera-Santin affirmed. 鈥淭hey are very supportive by encouraging me to do my best every day and by accompanying me to events where I have received awards.鈥� She is a biomedical concentration major and chemistry minor, who will graduate in 2022. As one of 11 students who received a summer Undergraduate Research Scholar grant, Herrera-Santin worked 40 hours a week for five weeks on her project, which she hopes to present in a professional forum. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Venita Totten, professor of chemistry. 鈥淭he faculty were a tremendous help,鈥� Herrera-Santin noted. 鈥淭hey were willing to help me when I had questions. They were extremely cautious about social distancing, and at the same time, allowed us summer scholars to feel close with the experience.鈥� Her research involved testing the viability of certain fruit peels to remove copper from water. 鈥淚 got the idea to use fruits for the research, because that鈥檚 something common that everyone would know about and most people have or can get in a grocery store,鈥� Herrera-Santin offered. 鈥淚 used kiwi, tangerine, and banana peels that had been dried for 24 hours and ground.鈥� Through the experiment, she discovered that she needed several fruit peelings to get the results she wanted. Through trial and error, she found a combination to get closer to the outcome she expected. 鈥淭his research has not only prepared me for my career by experiencing real research and experimenting on my own, it has opened my eyes to researching more on ways to help the environment,鈥� she asserted. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been an unforgettable experience, and I am very grateful for this opportunity. 成人视频 is an amazing school full of great opportunities.鈥� She encouraged other students to apply for Undergraduate Research. 鈥淐ome open-minded, because anything can happen,鈥� she said. 鈥淎lso, don鈥檛 be intimidated by the thought of working on your own because the mentors/faculty are very open to helping with anything. It is a life-changing experience that is unforgettable.鈥� Learn more about the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program.
News Article Festival of Lights on Dec. 3 to Welcome Christmas Season at 成人视频 Annual Tradition to Feature Founder Recognition Dinner, Holiday Music, Tree Lighting and Fellowship BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳he sights and sounds of Christmas will once again fill the campus of 成人视频 when the University hosts its annual Festival of Lights on Thursday, Dec. 3. The cherished holiday tradition brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members […] Office of University Communications | October 23, 2026
News Article Tucker Family Makes Historic $11 Million Gift to Advance Future of 成人视频 Record-Setting Commitment Names the Tucker College of Health Sciences, Strengthens Academic Programs and Expands the Tucker Scholarship Program BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳he family of Robert and Carolyn Tucker and 成人视频 have announced a record-setting $11 million gift to name the Tucker College of Health Sciences and expand the Tucker Scholarship Program. The commitment, representing the […] Office of University Communications | October 21, 2026
News Article Faith in Action: Jackson Hartley Prepares for a Calling in Ministry Christian Studies Major Uses Scholarship Opportunities, Leadership Roles and Service Experiences to Prepare for Ministry By Victoria Edwards, Intern for University Communications BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擜s a teenager, Ignite Scholar Jackson Hartley made one of the most important decisions of his life: following Jesus. 鈥淕od saved my life when I was in high school,鈥� noted Hartley. […] Office of University Communications | October 20, 2026