Heck, Nolan selected as 2022 Ledford Scholars

Maisie Nelson • April 8, 2022
photo of Ethan Heck and Laurel Nolan

Union College is proud to announce students Ethan Heck and Laurel Nolan as recipients of the 2022 Appalachian College Association (ACA) Ledford Research Scholarship.


Heck, a junior from Pineville, Ky, is a biology major with a minor in business management. Nolan is also a junior from Pineville, Ky, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry and media communications.


Each year, the ACA awards scholarships to support ongoing educational objectives. Ledford Scholars present their research from a variety of fields of study, such as health sciences, social sciences, and humanities.


The undergraduate students awarded the scholarship earned financial support enabling them to work on a significant research project during the summer of 2022. Each student will receive assistance from a faculty mentor at their home institution.


Union College Assistant Professor of Biology Libby Megna is serving as a mentor for Heck who is determining the effect of ecological landscapes of salamander abundance in southeast Kentucky. Sunil Karna, Assistant Professor of Physics, will mentor Nolan as she researches hydrothermal synthesis of lithium tantalate perovskites for electro-optical devices.


Heck and Nolan, along with the 43 other scholars, will present their research in the fall. A video presentation will be available on the ACA website. 

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