Biology majors McKenna Smith, Jade Hunter and Sarah Hardin were among 24 Trevecca students who shared their research at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), presenting their findings on one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer: glioblastoma multiforme.
The trio shared their project, “Targeting the Metabolic Pathways of Glioblastoma Multiforme,” during the national conference that took place April 7–9 in Pittsburgh. Their work explored how two drugs—metformin and memantine—might be used together to slow or stop the growth of glioblastoma cells without invasive treatment.
“If you miss any little piece [of glioblastoma], it'll grow back into another tumor again,” Smith explained. “It’s very aggressive.”
Smith, a junior biology major on the pre-physician assistant track from St. Louis, Missouri, was part of a research group led by seniors Hunter and Hardin. Their work stemmed from a cancer biology course taught by Dr. Alisha Russell, a Trevecca professor and cancer researcher who served as the team’s sponsor.
Russell helped guide the students through each phase of the research, from analyzing studies to developing their own process. The group’s project focused on how glioblastoma cells respond to metformin—a common diabetes medication—and memantine, a drug used to treat dementia.
The goal was to see whether combining the two drugs could limit how much nutrients the glioblastoma could take in. “In simple terms, basically you're trying to reduce their amount of food source that they can take in so they don't have anything to live off of and they can't multiply and continue to grow,” Smith said.
Hunter, a senior from Smithville, Tenn., had a personal connection to the research. “I have had a lot of personal experiences with cancer, specifically cancers affecting the brain, like so many others, so when the chance arose for us to get to pick a research topic, I knew that I wanted to pursue something in this field,” she said.
Hardin, a senior from Memphis, Tenn., was inspired by her peers throughout the process. “After endless hours in the lab with my research partners and mentors, I have learned that research is truly a team sport,” she said. “It requires communication, curiosity, resilience and a willingness to accept failure repeatedly. Through this time, I have grown academically and personally, watching my fellow researchers evolve into inspiring young women.”
Through months of lab work and analysis, the project helped shape each student’s view of science, medicine and calling. Smith, who plans to apply to Trevecca’s physician assistant program, shared how this experience influenced her perspective on care.
“I think being able to see how these drugs really interact with the cells and what the cells do in response gives me a more holistic idea of the medical field,” she said. “It's very easy for our world to try and cure the symptoms rather than the root of the problem.”
For Hunter, the connection between research and personal growth was equally meaningful. “Everything we have learned throughout the years in the biology department has helped us in understanding the research we have done,” she said. “Even the smallest and sometimes obscure details that I would have never even imagined I would see again seem to appear in one way or another.”
For Hardin, this project opened her eyes to the depths of scientific research. “Spending the past three and a half years researching this form of cancer has shown me how limitless science is—there’s always more to explore, more questions to be asked and more work to be done,” she said. “With our research, we have only scratched the surface. Research has many takeaways, the biggest of which is not being right or wrong, but the community is built by having a passion and being able to study it.”
The group credits Trevecca’s faculty and community for giving them the space and support to pursue their research.
“Where we are in research is all due to a single conversation with Dr. Russell,” Hunter said. “She took the time to get to know me and my dreams and goals in life. We had the continued support of our professors throughout the entire process.”
At NCUR, the team delivered a 15-minute presentation covering their research background, process and findings. Other Trevecca students presented work in fields ranging from psychology to history.
“Trevecca has given me a chance to truly learn more about science,” Smith said. “It helps me see the heart and soul of the University and the lengths that they’re willing to go to make your dream happen.”