Published on April 29, 2010  

Sophomore biochemistry major Anna Worth recently won first place at the 5th Annual Alabama Statewide Chemistry Undergraduate Research Symposium poster session for her research entitled “Synthesis and utility of 4-alkoxy-dithionaphthoic acids.” Anna began the research last summer as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

"The acids [I worked with] make up the western portion of a novel ß-secretase inhibitor designed to help combat Alzheimer’s disease," Anna said. "In total, I synthesized, purified, and verified twenty-one novel compounds."

After completing her biochemistry degree at Samford, Anna plans to attend medical school. "I may even try for an MD/PhD program that would involve research," Anna said. "My goal is to become an oncologist."

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.