The Office of Faculty Engagement is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Willa Dean Lowery Fund to Support Research in the Natural Sciences. Established through the generosity of Dr. Willa Dean Lowery ’48, the fund supports innovative research projects that advance scientific discovery while providing meaningful opportunities for student engagement in research.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of disciplines across the natural sciences, with projects spanning cancer biology, environmental chemistry, ecology, exercise physiology, and microbiology.
The Office of Faculty Engagement congratulates the 2026 Willa Dean Lowery Award recipients and looks forward to the discoveries and student research opportunities that will emerge from these innovative projects. Their work exemplifies Stetson University’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through faculty scholarship and undergraduate research engagement.
Dr. Roslyn Crowder, Associate Professor of Biology
Defining SINE2-Mediated Human Jurkat Leukemia Cell Growth Inhibition
Roslyn Crowder’s project investigates the role of SINE2 in regulating the growth of human Jurkat leukemia cells. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved in cell growth inhibition, this research seeks to improve our understanding of leukemia biology and identify potential pathways that may contribute to future therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Matthew Shannon, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
Comparative Assessment of Chlorophyll a and Turbidity Across Distinct Florida Aquatic Systems
Matthew Shannon will examine relationships between chlorophyll a concentrations and turbidity in a variety of Florida aquatic environments. This study aims to provide valuable insight into water quality dynamics and ecosystem health, contributing to a better understanding of environmental conditions across diverse aquatic systems.
Dr. Candid0 Diaz, Assistant Professor of Biology
Prevalence and Diversity of Moth Pheromone Mimicry by Orb-Weaving Spiders
Candid0 Diaz and collaborator Ricky Coulson will investigate the extent to which orb-weaving spiders mimic moth pheromones to attract prey. By exploring the prevalence and diversity of this remarkable ecological strategy, the project will contribute to our understanding of predator-prey interactions and chemical communication in nature.
Dr. Drake Eserhaut, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences
Monitoring Yearlong Changes in Blood Lactate Thresholds and Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Saturation Kinetics in NCAA Division I Male and Female Rowers
Working alongside Matthew Schrager, Erica Goldstein, and Brian Benitez, Dr. Drake Eserhaut will investigate yearlong changes in blood lactate thresholds and skeletal muscle oxygen saturation kinetics among NCAA Division I male and female rowers. The project seeks to improve understanding of physiological adaptations to training and competition, providing valuable insight into factors that influence athletic performance and endurance development.
Dr. Jean Smith, Associate Professor of Biology
Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of an Understudied Bacterial Species in the Oral Microbiome
Jean Smith’s research focuses on the genomic and phenotypic characteristics of a bacterial species that remains poorly understood within the oral microbiome. The project seeks to expand knowledge of microbial diversity and function, providing insights that may contribute to future studies of oral health and disease.