For the past 25 years, an anonymous gift honoring two past Olivet Nazarene University professors has provided Olivet undergraduates the opportunity to dedicate their summer to full-time, 10-week summer research projects in mathematics or the physical sciences. This year, the Pence-Boyce Research Experience will support three students pursuing important work at the intersection of health and the natural world.
Francesca Baisler, a junior zoology major, will be working with Dr. Parry Kietzman to survey the diversity of pollinator species found at the Olivet Nature Sanctuary, a first step in understanding the ecological health and biodiversity of the site. Francesca is especially excited about the possibility of her research catalyzing further work on this topic. Her project will establish baseline information about the pollinators at the sanctuary and provide a foundation for future studies there.
“The data collected from this research,” she said, “will be used in a proposal to the National Science Foundation focusing on the effect of introducing managed honeybee populations on native bee communities in a restored prairie ecosystem.”
Akema Hori, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry and music, will be engaged in a project with Dr. Bruce Heyen focused on an important regulatory enzyme that may be involved in disrupting cancer cell growth. Akema hopes to use a citrate derivative in this process, which could have important implications for cancer therapies.
“I hope to be able to look back on this opportunity as being one that deepened my appreciation for study of the sciences — in particular, the discipline of research — as a means through which one can participate in the discovery of truth in the natural world,” she said.
Amy Johnson, a junior environmental science major, will work with Dr. Charles Carrigan ’96 to analyze water samples from the Bourbonnais Creek, the major drainage conduit of Olivet’s campus, for complex organics like microplastics pollution.
“Comparing samples from the same location throughout different seasons will reveal trends of the Bourbonnais watershed composition, such as increased pesticide and herbicide compounds in the spring/summer months,” Amy explained. “The findings will give insight into how the Bourbonnais watershed is being influenced by human life, since pesticides, herbicides, plastics and many more organic-based products are introduced into surface waters by humans.” 
For each student, professional readiness combines with a desire to serve God in their research.
“Having the opportunity to work in a mentored research project will broaden my understanding and skills regarding research,” Francesca said. “I am so very excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to glorify God through this research.”
Amy agreed, noting that the project “will prepare me for a future career, as I am getting a taste of real science research. Colossians 1:17 encapsulates how I see God through His creation: ‘And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.’”
Each Pence-Boyce project is mentored by a faculty advisor, who provides training, guidance and support over the 10-week process. Students submit a report on their research at the end of the summer and present a poster highlighting their results at homecoming in the fall.
The Pence-Boyce Research Experience is named in honor of two former Olivet faculty members, Elbert Pence, professor of physics from 1962 to 1969, and Fanny Boyce, professor of mathematics from 1963 to 1970, both of whom exemplified excellence in higher education. Since its establishment in 2001, the Pence-Boyce program has given nearly 100 students firsthand experience doing fieldwork or research in the lab.
To learn more about Olivet’s areas of study in the sciences and engineering, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
