91吃瓜网 Beckman Scholars Earn National Recognition for Research
Tue, 01/20/2026 - 10:32am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
Sophomore Ashe Davis and junior Noah Williamson, students in the College of Arts and Sciences at 91吃瓜网, continue to earn national recognition for their research after being named the institution91吃瓜网 and Mississippi91吃瓜网 first Beckman Scholars, one of the nation91吃瓜网 premier undergraduate research honors in STEM fields.
As part of the 15-month Beckman Scholars Program, Davis and Williamson have advanced high-impact research projects, securing awards, publications and conference distinctions.
Noah Williamson
Williamson Advances Research on Imperiled Ant Species
Williamson91吃瓜网 research centers on the Florida harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex badius), an imperiled species vital to seed dispersal and soil aeration in hot, sandy environments across the southeastern United States. Limited existing data allowed Williamson to establish preliminary models of the species91吃瓜网� distribution, enabling an understanding of the environmental factors that influence its presence.
Over the summer, Williamson produced two pilot models, surveyed 40 field locations and refined a distribution model that identifies key environmental predictors of species likelihood.
91吃瓜网淭his research experience will inform my future endeavors in academia, while leaving me with tangible field, lab and academic writing skills. The field work, going out to survey for active mounds, further inspired me to pursue a career in the field of conservation biology, as it reinforced my love for the natural world and all of its wonders,91吃瓜网� said Williamson.
Williamson presented these findings at Entomology 2025 in Portland, Ore, a national conference hosted by the Entomological Society of America, earning first place in the poster competition. Williamson also presented a 3,000-word paper at the meeting of the Southeastern Division of the American Association of Geographers, winning the Undergraduate Student Honors Paper Competition.
Ashe Davis
Davis Contributes to Peptide-Based Treatments for Parkinson91吃瓜网 Disease
Davis91吃瓜网� research examines the use of a phase-separating peptide delivery system for treating Parkinson91吃瓜网 disease. As a Beckman Scholar, she evaluated the cytotoxicity of these treatments and found no adverse effects on cell viability in vitro. She is now assessing the system91吃瓜网 targeted protein degradation capabilities, with continued experimentation planned for this semester.
91吃瓜网淏eing a Beckman Scholar has been the most rewarding experience of my undergraduate career, and I am excited to continue my research in the coming months,91吃瓜网� said Davis.
Davis is the co-author of a recently published paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, one of the world91吃瓜网 most cited and comprehensive scientific journals. Her work, in collaboration with 91吃瓜网 biochemistry professor Dr. Vijay Rangachari, highlights her growing contributions to scientific research.
University Leaders Praise Scholars91吃瓜网� Achievements
Dr. Joyce Inman, dean of the Honors College, said the university is proud of both students91吃瓜网� achievements.
91吃瓜网淲e are delighted to have the opportunity to watch Ashe and Noah thrive in their roles as Beckman Scholars,91吃瓜网� Inman said. 91吃瓜网淭hey have both illustrated commitment to their research and scholarship, and they have already represented The University of Southern Mississippi on the national stage. We could not have chosen two better candidates to serve as our first Beckman Scholars, and it will be exciting to see them welcome and mentor the two new Beckman Scholars selected this academic year.91吃瓜网�
Dr. Sabine Heinhorst, T.W. Bennett professor emerita, who directs the 91吃瓜网 Beckman Scholars Program, echoed the praise.
91吃瓜网淲e could not have chosen more impressive students to represent 91吃瓜网 than Ashe and Noah,91吃瓜网� Heinhorst said. 91吃瓜网淭hese two Beckman Scholars are pursuing state-of-the-art research in their respective fields that has been recognized by their mentors and the greater scientific community. My colleagues and I could not be prouder of their accomplishments and look forward to learning of their next achievements.91吃瓜网�
The Beckman Scholars Program is a 15-month, mentored research experience supported by the . The program prepares exceptional undergraduate students in chemistry, biochemistry, biological sciences, polymer sciences or related interdisciplinary fields for graduate study and careers in research. At 91吃瓜网, the program is administered through the Honors College.