Seven High Point University students recently presented their research posters at PhysCon, the physics and astronomy congress that unites undergraduate students, faculty and alumni every three years. Pictured from left at PhysCon were Dr. Jacob Brooks, interim chair and assistant professor of physics and astronomy, with Thomas Owens, Caitlyn Wingeart, Megan Mueller, Josh Elbertson, Claire Klein, Skyler Gangestad, Tyler Rogers and Dr. Eric Rokni, assistant professor of physics.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 25, 2025 – High Point University students, faculty and staff frequently conduct, publish and share research and creative works in a variety of ways. Below is a recap of recent research and innovative initiatives.
Students Present Research at PhysCon
Seven HPU students recently presented their research posters at PhysCon, the physics and astronomy congress that unites undergraduate students, faculty and alumni every three years.
The theme of this year’s PhysCon in Denver, Colorado, was “Supporting Our Phase Shifts,” with the goal of helping students learn how to shift into the next phase of their careers. This opportunity highlighted HPU’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing students for future STEM careers, said Dr. Eric Rokni, assistant professor of physics.
“Attending PhysCon with our students was an incredible experience,” Rokni said. “This congress is the largest gathering of undergraduate physics students in the country, and it gave our students the chance to showcase their research, connect with peers from across the nation and engage with leading scientists. Watching them all present their posters and confidently discuss their work was a proud moment for our department.”
Thomas Owens, a senior physics and technical theatre double major from McKinney, Texas, said he enjoyed getting the change to network with other students and researchers from across the country at the conference.
“I got to meet a bunch of great people doing physics research, talking about how we could improve our projects and bouncing ideas off of each other,” Owens said. “It helped me with learning about new fields and ways I can use my degree, along with finding opportunities to explore those fields like internships.”
Like Owens, PhysCon provided Megan Mueller, a sophomore physics major with a minor in mathematics, with the opportunity to present her research to experts from around the U.S. and collaborate with them to expand her knowledge.
“This ability to share my findings contributes to scientific discovery in the physics community and lets you be a part of something bigger than yourself,” said Mueller, who is from Virginia Beach, Virginia. “It further helps pave the way to potential research and career opportunities that can build you into who you are as a scientist and as an individual. These kinds of conferences are driven heartily from a shared passion and curiosity fostering strong connections with scientists and peers. Additionally, through presenting your work, it gives you incredible criticism and feedback from experts that you can use to better yourself on your journey to succeed and strengthen your ongoing research skills.”
Mueller said she also met individuals at the conference who could help her secure an internship and research position after graduating from HPU.
“It opened a door to many different fields and concentrations in physics and allowed participants to speak in real time with universities looking for interns and research students,” Mueller said. “This allows for extraordinary networking opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime career possibilities. It pushes you to be present and intentional about the trajectory of your future/aligning goals while offering you inside information that can help with navigating the complexities of grad school, and other paths after undergrad.”
Business Students Attend American Bankers Association Convention
A dozen HPU business students attended the American Bankers Association (ABA) Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Oct. 19-21. Accompanied by Dr. Ken McEwan, assistant professor of finance, students co-hosted the Bank U booth at the exhibit hall and made valuable connections with banking industry leaders.
Students who attended the annual convention included Logan Blazer, Zach Byers, Tomiwa Bello, Greg Olson, Ward Mann, Aidan Given, Alexa Pelham, Dylan Grant, Mike Hanrahan, Andrew Lindauer, Evan Leszczynski and Ruby Quarles. They heard from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and U.S. Senator Ted Budd at the convention, as well as had an opportunity to attend a Q&A session with ABA President Rob Nichols.
“The ABA conference featured a range of thought-provoking discussions on topics such as the evolving interest rate environment, strategic balance sheet management and the growing role of AI across financial services,” said Blazer, a sophomore finance and international business double major from Trumbull, Connecticut. “Each session offered valuable insights into how the industry continues to innovate and adapt in today’s economic landscape.
“I’m especially grateful to Rob Nichols, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association, for giving a select group of students the opportunity to experience this event firsthand. It was an inspiring experience that deepened my understanding of the industry and reinforced my enthusiasm for pursuing a career in finance.”
Quarles, a business analytics and economics major, also expressed thanks to Nichols for the valuable opportunity to learn, connect and grow alongside so many passionate professionals.
“I walked away from the conference deeply grateful and inspired for the future of the banking industry,” said Quarles, who is from Brooklyn, New York. “One standout session focused on artificial intelligence in banking, highlighting how rapidly advancing technology is transforming everything from customer service to risk management. The discussion underscored the importance of banks adapting responsibly by leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and personalization while maintaining transparency, security and trust.”
Lindauer, a finance and business analytics and economics double major, attended several information sessions on financial topics and specialized programs for emerging leaders.
“One of the more interesting sessions was hearing the CEO of First Citizens Bank, Frank Holding, share his thoughts on M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and how he handled the deal with Silicon Valley Bank,” said Lindauer, who is from Baltimore, Maryland.
Given, a senior finance major, also thanked Nichols for giving students the opportunity to engage with industry professionals. He said hearing Holding’s perspective on managing the Silicon Valley Bank acquisition was a highlight of the ABA convention. He also attended a variety of insightful sessions covering a wide range of banking topics.
“I left the conference feeling inspired and motivated to continue pursuing growth in this ever-evolving field,” said Given, who is from Oakland, New Jersey.
HPU Receives Grant for Undergraduate Institutions
The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation recently announced eight new grants in the Jean Dreyfus Lectureship for Undergraduate Institutions program, including one for HPU. It was the first time that the university has been awarded a grant from the foundation.
The Jean Dreyfus Lectureship Award provides a $25,000 grant to bring a leading researcher to a primarily undergraduate institution to give at least two lectures in the chemical sciences, as well as to support two undergraduate research students. The grant was awarded on Nov. 4 to Dr. Kelsey Kean, HPU assistant professor of chemistry.
“It is a great honor to receive the Jean Dreyfus Lectureship Award, and it presents an amazing opportunity for students and faculty,” Kean said. “With this award, we will be able to bring a preeminent chemist to campus to give talks and interact with HPU students and faculty and the greater High Point community.”