Lee Students Present At Tennessee Academy Of Science Meeting

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Lee University natural science students, Alexa VanVeghten and Karina Dilse, presented research posters at the 2025 Tennessee Academy of Science meeting held at Pellissippi State Community College.

The Tennessee Academy of Science seeks to promote scientific research and the diffusion of knowledge concerning science in the state of Tennessee by increasing communication between researchers in Tennessee. At TAS meetings, students interact with other students and professionals in their field. Participating in the TAS poster presentations provides an opportunity for students to showcase their research and be judged against other students.

Ms. VanVeghten, a biology pre-physical therapy major, placed third in the medical and health sciences division, while Ms. Dilse, a health science major, took first. They competed against both undergraduate and graduate students.

“As a member of TAS, I enjoy hearing what researchers are doing at other universities across the state,” said Dr. Pamela Hobbs, associate professor of health sciences and the students’ research mentor. “I believe it is important for our students to have opportunities to present their own research at the state and national levels and for our students to meet and interact with other students and professionals in their field.”

Ms. VanVeghten presented on the kinetic chain of the female hip and knee orientation and its potential susceptibility to causing knee injuries.

“I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to present on a bigger level,” said Ms. VanVeghten. “Even though research may seem like a daunting task, anyone can and should do it because you learn so much from it as a person and student. My favorite part of the experience was being able to spend time with my faculty mentor and my friend as well as gaining research and presenting experience.”

Ms. Dilse shared her research on physical exercise, sleep, and mindfulness and their effects on mental health in college students in the health and medical sciences category.

“It was a pleasure sharing my research findings with others and introducing various ways to improve each health behavior in general and in relation to mental health,” said Ms. Dilse. “After presenting, I enjoyed listening to the other presentations and learning from their methods, experiences, and research. It was amazing to hear all the current research being conducted now and the efforts and progress of creating change.”

Ms. Dilse won first place at the TAS meeting last year as well. According to Hobbs, in the past six years of university participation in TAS, Lee students have placed in the top three in the Medical and Health Sciences division every year but one.

“I could not have done this research without the guidance of Dr. Hobbs,” said Ms. Dilse. “She has been my faculty mentor for nearly two years now and has helped me develop my research, writing, and presentation skills. She has been a great supporter and encourager, and I am thankful for the time and dedication she has invested in me.”

Dr. Hobbs joined the Department of Natural Sciences in 2015 where she teaches courses in health care, anatomy, and physiology. She has served as a clinical instructor for physical therapy students and has had numerous positions in the physical therapy profession. She also worked at Emory University as a research specialist and has presented at national meetings and continuing education workshops and seminars.

“It has been a pleasure working with Karina and Alexa, and I am so proud of both of them,” said Dr. Hobbs. “They have worked hard on their research projects and their presentations and are both deserving of their awards. They represent both the McNair Scholars program and Lee University well.”

For more information about TAS, visit https://www.tennacadsci.org/index.php.

For more information about Lee’s science and math programs, call (423) 614-8286 or visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/arts-sciences/nsm/.