In January, six Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students traveled to Harvard University and presented their research at the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC). This marked the second time students from EKU attended the conference, following recommendations from faculty mentors.

“Our students being accepted to showcase their research at the NCRC—at Harvard—shows the massive potential of the research being conducted at EKU,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “These six students represent EKU with excellence, not only in our research capabilities but in their commitment to making an impact in communities and people’s lives through their research discoveries.”

Students from more than 100 universities worldwide participated in the conference. The NCRC aims to build a cohesive undergraduate research community and encourage students to engage in research early in their careers—making significant contributions to all fields of study.

“My research involved collecting and analyzing 113 environmental water samples from 62 unique locations across Central and Eastern Kentucky,” said Kylee Phillips, from Belfry, Kentucky, whose research focused on comparing E.coli identification methods.

“E. coli is a key indicator of water and food contamination, and it’s a serious issue in rural areas where agricultural runoff and unsafe water sources are common,” she said. “The ability to quickly and accurately detect bacterial contamination in water and food can help prevent illnesses and improve water safety, especially for communities who rely on these resources. As an aspiring physician, I want to support initiatives that focus on rural healthcare and research.”

In addition to presenting her research at the NCRC, Phillips and other EKU students had the opportunity to network with peers from institutions like Princeton University, the University of California, the University of Georgia, and many others.

“This allowed me to connect with talented undergraduate students from across the country,” Phillips said. “This was my first time flying and presenting my research to an audience, which made this a very memorable experience for me.”

Phillips also appreciated the opportunity to listen to other student researchers present their findings.

“We learned about various fascinating topics including healthy eating themes in children’s literature and the effects of nitric oxide on cells,” she said. “Additionally, we also got to participate in an engaging discussion with a panel of professionals who explored the field of brain-computer interfaces, offering a glimpse into the future of innovation in neuroscience and technology.”

After attending the NCRC, Phillips said she is looking forward to continuing her research as she prepares to pursue a career as a physician in rural Kentucky.

“I want to ensure that communities like mine have access to cutting-edge medical tools and services, from faster diagnostics to more accessible healthcare services,” she said. “My experiences in both my research and my community have reinforced my commitment to closing the healthcare gap in rural areas and providing the people of Appalachia with the quality care they deserve. This research is just one step toward that goal.”

Along with Phillips, the following EKU students presented their research at this year’s NCRC:

Dr. Michael Ballard, associate dean of the College of Health Sciences, and Dr. Jim Larkin, professor, chaperoned the students. The endeavor was sponsored by EKU’s College of Health Sciences and Undergraduate Research & Creative Endeavors.

At EKU, students engage in hands-on learning both in and out of the classroom, through opportunities such as field work, research, conference attendance and presentations. EKU offers several degree fields to launch students into healthcare careers—including pre-med/biomedical sciences, exercise and sport science, psychology, health services administration, and others. EKU is currently pursuing approval from the Kentucky General Assembly to expand healthcare degree offerings and establish a College of Osteopathic Medicine, increasing access to affordable medical education.

By Ethan Sirles