Grace Chatham '26: research, persistence, community

In April, Lenoir-Rhyne University biology major Grace Chatham ’26, concluded her honors research with awards recognizing both her personal accomplishments and new possibilities for future student researchers. 

“I've been studying methods that would allow Lenoir-Rhyne to store eukaryotic cell lines at higher temperatures while maintaining their viability,” Chatham explained.  “Our freezing system goes down to about negative 80 degrees Celsius, but eukaryotic cells are typically stored at much lower temperatures because they have nuclei and specialized organelles, making them more delicate, slower-growing and harder to culture and store than simpler cells. I'm working with mouse embryonic fibroblasts to develop a unique medium that will provide greater flexibility in storage." 

At the annual Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE), Chatham’s research placed second among 28 presentations in the Fritz Honors College Honors Thesis Competition. Days later, she earned the John Bowley Derieux Research Award at the North Carolina Academy of Science annual meeting, placing second in Cell, Physiology & Biotechnology. 

"I've been really excited to see the project develop," Chatham said. "It's rewarding to know that this work could create opportunities for other students long after I've graduated." 

Chatham’s research stems from her connection to the close-knit academic environment that drew her to Lenoir-Rhyne and has helped her thrive. Already committed to a pre-med path, she appreciated the opportunity to tour LR's science facilities and envision herself there. She would go on to major in biology and complete a minor in chemistry. 

"I knew I would be challenged academically, but I also knew I'd be supported," she said. "The relationships I've built with my professors have made all the difference. I don't think I would have had the same experience at a larger university." 

With guidance from biology professor Dan Grimm, Ph.D., who supervises student research required of all biology majors, Chatham refined her focus on cellular research to methodology. 

"What started as one idea evolved into something completely different, but that's part of research," she said. "Dr. Grimm has been incredibly encouraging throughout the process. Even when things don't go exactly as planned, he reminds me that it's still a result and that someone else can always build on the work you've done." 

Outside the lab, Chatham has made her mark across campus through leadership and service. She serves as president of Mortar Board senior honor society and has held leadership roles in the national math and science honor society Chi Beta Phi,  the Pre-Health Club and the Fritz Honors College Leadership Council. 

"I’ve been especially proud of my work with Mortar Board," she said. "It's given me the opportunity to lead, collaborate and make a real impact on campus and in the community." 

That impact has extended well beyond campus, from volunteering at the Humane Society to organizing Valentine's Day cards for residents at a local nursing home. 

"We've really expanded our footprint this year, which I hope to see continue,” she added. “I especially loved volunteering with the nursing home.” I have a soft spot for grandparents." 

Chatham’s passion for service also guides her professional ambitions. After shadowing orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Brazinski in Morganton, she went to work for Dr. Johnny Gomes in his functional medicine clinic in Glen Alpine, N.C. 

“Both of these experiences were so valuable,” Chatham shared. “Dr. Gomes became a very important mentor to me through college and in guiding and encouraging my path into medicine.” 

In addition to these clinical experiences, Chatham also earned her CNA certification and works as an emergency department technician. In the coming year, Chatham will be applying to medical school while completing Lenoir-Rhyne's accelerated master's program in exercise science, which she started in fall 2025. As a first-generation college student, she takes special pride in the path she continues to forge. 

"Being able to go to college is a privilege, and being the first in my immediate family to earn a degree makes that even more meaningful," she said. "Finishing with honors in a science discipline is something I'm incredibly proud of. A strong work ethic, honesty and integrity are the values that have shaped who I am and will continue to guide me wherever I go next."