For Campbell University pharmaceutical sciences student Ava Sain, a summer research experience offered an opportunity to apply classroom learning, explore new questions and develop her skills as a scientist.
As a 2026 Ester H. Howard Student Research Fellow, Sain worked with faculty mentor Dr. Stephen Holly in the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences on a project titled “Anthocyanins as Scavengers of Oxidative Stress in Platelets.”
The project explored whether certain antioxidant compounds could reduce the activity of platelets, the blood cells that help form clots. Although clotting is essential to healing, harmful blood clots can contribute to serious health problems. Research into platelet function may help scientists better understand these conditions.
The compounds did not consistently reduce platelet activity under the conditions tested. For Sain, evaluating those results and working through experimental challenges were valuable parts of the experience.
“Participating in the Howard Fellows program allowed me to apply technical laboratory skills outside the classroom and gain experience in literature reviews, formulating a research topic, and troubleshooting experiments,” Sain said.
Unlike classroom experiments with established procedures, the project gave Sain opportunities to investigate problems and consider solutions as the work progressed. She learned that research requires patience, adaptability and careful evaluation, especially when results differ from expectations.
“Research gives students an opportunity to explore questions that do not have predetermined answers,” Holly said. “Through this project, Ava gained experience working through challenges and interpreting findings, skills that will serve her well as she continues her education and prepares for her career.”
The Ester H. Howard Student Research Fellows Program supports undergraduate research through collaboration between students and faculty mentors. Participating students receive financial and research support, attend workshops and progress meetings, and have opportunities to present their findings.
The program honors the late Campbell alumna Ester Howard, whose endowment provides stipends for participating students and faculty.
For Sain, the experience strengthened her interest in pharmaceutical research and the study of natural compounds.
“I hope that my research will interest other students at Campbell in natural product pharmaceuticals and encourage them to participate in research opportunities,” she said.
Sain also expressed appreciation to Dr. Womick and Hannah Holmes for their support and guidance throughout the Howard Fellows program.