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Studying vegetation in Lake Virginia. Examining the role of AI in social media. Analyzing data for renewable-energy technology. Through Rollins’ Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program and other experiences this past summer, students engaged in the kind of original scholarly research that’s typically available only at the graduate-school level. These powerful partnerships have generated dozens of professional publications, performances, and exhibitions and have paved the way to some of the world’s most prestigious graduate programs. Plus, executives and hiring managers are 86 percent more likely to hire candidates with experience doing a research project collaboratively with faculty.

As last spring turned to summer, we asked students to keep us in the loop as they embarked on their summertime research experiences. Here are a few of our favorites.

Biology majors Michael Tucker ’25 and Shyhiem Walker ’25 spent their summer honing problem-solving skills while studying the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact with plasma membrane during cell-to-cell fusion in Tetrahymena thermophila mating. Conducted alongside biology professor Sabrice Guerrier, the research has important real-world implications, as countless organisms require ER and plasma-membrane interactions to carry out different functions.

“Rollins prepared me to tackle this kind of research through the biology curriculum,” shares Walker, who plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in kinesiology. “The lab components of many of my biology classes have definitely helped me do important aspects of this research.”

“Not every problem has a clear-cut solution, which is why it is so important to be able to use your past knowledge and experience to come up with a probable answer,” says Tucker, who has his sights set on becoming a physician assistant or medical doctor. “I’ve always wanted to help others, and research is another avenue that would allow me to pursue my interest in biology and potentially make a difference in the long run.”

Social entrepreneurship majors—and sisters—Kate Salerno ’27 and Emma Salerno ’27 conducted research on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in social media content and digital marketing with communication professor Ruonan Zhang. The goal of their research was to understand if AI or human-generated images and texts are more effective. Both students chose to participate because they were interested in learning about AI in modern workplaces and industries.

“This research ties into our major because social enterprises are going to continue integrating AI into their business models,” says Emma. “My professors in the social entrepreneurship department often encourage me to think critically about the strengths and limitations of various business models, and this research allowed me to continue to hone my critical-thinking skills and understand the strengths and limitations of integrating AI into the marketing component of a business plan.”

The siblings gained valuable experience conducting academic research, honing their skills in writing professionally and citing in APA format, which has helped inform their future professional plans.

“This experience has allowed me to better understand the capabilities of AI and where there is still a need for people to have certain jobs instead of solely relying on AI,” says Emma.

Solomon Brooks ’25, a biology and environmental studies double major, spent the summer alongside biology professor Paul Stephenson and fellow student Bella Mayes ’25 on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. The goal of their research was to survey the lakes near Rollins and the Genius Preserve and analyze any negative impacts on lake vegetation from previous ecological shifts. This research could help better address nutrient runoff in Winter Park and potentially be applied to other freshwater systems.

“Working with Dr. Stephenson and Bella has been amazing,” says Brooks. “We’ve become quite the trio, supporting each other through this physically intense research. And under Dr. Stephenson’s guidance, I now feel empowered to tackle real-world research confidently.”

“I really love that Rollins offers this experience because it has helped me strengthen my connection with my professor, and I’ve gotten hands-on experience that’s essential for my post-grad plans,” he says. “I’m gaining fieldwork skills, learning scientific design, and applying interdisciplinary skills foundational to my future career in botanical ecology. I’ve also put into practice key themes introduced in several of my classes like Marine Botany, Ecology, Plant Physiology, and more.”

Channeling his passion for energy, international business major Diego Alorda ’27 conducted wave-energy data analysis research with physics professor Samantha Fonseca. Alorda analyzed global wave data to ascertain how efficient a technology plant using an oscillating water column would be in certain locations.

“Waves are a natural resource found in many places and communities around the globe, and to make renewable-energy technology sufficient and financially viable at the same time is the hard part,” says Alorda. “This experience has complemented what I’m learning in the classroom. In my Data Analytics class, for example, I learned the basics of taking raw data and making it presentable. Since I was dealing with a lot of wave data during this project, I used and mastered what I learned and found ways to present it to report my results.”

Alorda has already presented his research at multiple conferences around the world, including the Academy of Economics and Finance and the Student Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.

“Rollins offers many opportunities for students to engage in research,” says Alorda. “The SHIP grants, the access to conferences, and the Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program—these opportunities have allowed me to expand my research.”

Environmental studies major Hailey Manitz ’25 teamed up with biology professor Pamela Brannock to study Florida apple snails and the genetic consequences of introducing an organism to an area so as to better understand how to control the invasive populations.

“Because I’m majoring in environmental studies and minoring in biology,” says Manitz, “it was extremely important to me that I pursued work that would incorporate both parts of my degree. After meeting with Dr. Brannock, I felt that it was a perfect match—the DNA extraction aspect for biology and the native vs. invasive aspect for environmental studies.”

“In my biology courses, we’ve covered genetics and species classification, and now I’m applying that knowledge to real-world conservation efforts,” shares Manitz. “Small class sizes and close interaction with professors at Rollins have given me the opportunity to develop my critical-thinking and analysis skills, which have been helpful in my ability to engage in meaningful research.”

Benjamin Haidukewych ’25 synthesized silver compounds for their antimicrobial potential against a model organism of tuberculosis bacteria with chemistry faculty Marisa Fuse and Laurel Habgood. A double major in biochemistry/molecular biology and music, Haidukewych developed a core interest in the synthetic and biological applications of drug discovery when he took courses in organic and medicinal chemistry.

Thanks to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, silver has been used for medicinal purposes for at least six millennia, but medicinal silver use largely declined following the advent of antibiotics in the early 20th century. With the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in silver and silver-containing compounds as potential therapeutic alternatives.

“With more attention turning to this realm of pharmaceutical chemistry and microbiology,” says Haidukewych, “the hope is that new drugs can combat these highly resistant strains of tuberculosis to prevent disease.”

After graduation, Haidukewych hopes to attend medical school to become a physician. “One invaluable takeaway from this experience is the knowledge I’ve gained in research methods and data analysis, which in my view, are central competencies for the practice of medicine.”

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