HELENA, MT – Five Carroll College research students traveled to Vancouver, Washington, November 7–8 to present their original scientific work at the annual M.J. Murdock College Science Research (MCSR) Conference, a premier gathering for undergraduate researchers across the Pacific Northwest.
Participating this year were Jack Conway, a senior biology major from Creswell, Oregon; Ethan Hull, a junior from Helena, Montana, majoring in biochemistry, molecular biology, and sociology; Max Gawlik, a senior chemistry major from Prosser, Washington; Baylee Herman, a junior majoring in chemistry from Simms, Montana; and Joel Moore, a junior biology major from Spokane, Washington. The group traveled with Dr. Calvin Goemann, Assistant Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
The MCSR Conference highlights the faculty-mentored undergraduate research taking place at small and mid-sized colleges across the region. More than 400 students and faculty from institutions throughout the Pacific Northwest participated in oral and poster presentations, connected with peers and mentors, and celebrated the impact of student-driven scientific discovery. The Murdock Trust has long been a consistent and generous supporter of undergraduate research, academic programming, and capital improvements at Carroll.
A standout moment for Carroll was senior chemistry major Max Gawlik earning the 2025 Murdock College Science Research Poster Prize for Analytical-Inorganic-Physical Chemistry–Computational Chemistry for his project, “Electrochemistry of Methylphenyl Thiophene.” Judges selected his work based on a combination of criteria including communication, depth of analysis, creativity, organization, clarity, and his poise in responding to questions. According to the award committee, he “excelled in every way.” Gawlik conducts this research under the mentorship of John Rowley, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry.
“The opportunity to present the research you have conducted to other scientists and get feedback is awesome,” said Gawlik. “I would recommend undergraduate research to any student.”
This research poster award continues the string of recognition received by Carroll College undergraduate researchers at the MCSR. In 2023, chemistry research student Elliot Wald received the John Van Zytveld Award in the Physical Sciences for her presentation on Metal-oxide Photovoltaic Cells Synthesized using Materials Abundant in the Martian Regolith.
For many Carroll students, presenting at the MCSR Conference is a defining part of their academic experience.
“This experience was truly amazing,” said Ethan Hull, who presented his biochemistry and sociology-informed research. “Having the opportunity to travel to such a well-managed conference was eye-opening. Being able to learn all about other students’ research is fascinating. I would recommend everyone to take any opportunity to conduct and present their research.”
Undergraduate research is a signature strength of a Carroll education, providing students with hands-on opportunities typically found at graduate-level institutions and preparing them exceptionally well for advanced study and careers in STEM fields.
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, established in 1975 by the will of Melvin J. “Jack” Murdock, supports organizations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington that strengthen the cultural, educational, and spiritual fabric of the region. Since its founding, the Trust has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants.
The partnership between the Murdock Trust and Carroll College began in 1985 and has resulted in nearly $3.5 million invested in student research opportunities, new academic programs, and capital improvements.
Carroll Co-President Dr. Jennifer Glowienka expressed her appreciation for the Trust’s commitment to student success. “We are deeply grateful for the Murdock Trust’s steadfast support of undergraduate research at Carroll. Opportunities like the MCSR Conference allow our students to grow as scientists, scholars, and leaders. Their achievements reflect the transformative power of hands-on learning and the excellence our faculty inspire every day.”
To learn about undergraduate research at Carroll College, visit www.carroll.edu.