Written by: Paola Pinto May 10, 2024 Caroline Bendickson College of Science Student with a double major in biology and chemistry a minor in mathematics. Caroline Bendickson is a student in the College of Science at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) with a double major in biology and chemistry and a minor in mathematics. Her journey is marked by her passion for scientific exploration and her determination to make a difference in the fields of bioinformatics and environmental sustainability. She will be graduating in Spring 2025. From an early age, Bendickson's interest in science was evident. Participating in programs like the Biotech Academy at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology during high school exposed her to the world of research and ignited her curiosity. There, she first encountered her future research advisor, Dr. Alex Harkess, whose work inspired her to pursue undergraduate research at HudsonAlpha during her time at UAH. One of the defining moments in Bendickson's journey was her decision to apply for the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. The nomination process is rigorous, but Caroline's dedication to research and compelling application earned her nominations from the university in 2023 and 2024. Despite not succeeding in her first attempt at the national review process, Bendickson's resilience and the encouragement of her mentors propelled her to reapply the following year. This time, her efforts paid off, and she was awarded the Goldwater Scholarship, a testament to her academic prowess and unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry. "I focused more on my specific research goals in the broader context of the research I want to do, which is genomics and genetics and what this technology offers us. During my second attempt, I had a better sense of my scientific interests and professional goals, and I think that probably came through in my writing because it made the difference this year", she says. Caroline Bendickson presenting her undergraduate research at the HudsonAlpha BioTrain Internship poster session. She initially considered a career in education, but her journey took a turn when she discovered her deep enthusiasm for scientific inquiry during her advanced science classes in middle and high school. This profound realization led her to embrace a career in research, where she found her true calling. Her research interests lie at the intersection of biology, genetics, and computer science, particularly in the field of bioinformatics. With a keen focus on genomics, she seeks to utilize computational tools to address pressing agricultural issues in crop sustainability. Using genomic technologies, scientists can improve crop yields and resilience to climate change and other environmental pressures to meet growing global food demands as well as contribute to the conservation of endangered species. She is currently researching the phylogenetics of Trillium flowers, applying molecular DNA techniques to trace their evolutionary relationships. She has been working at HudsonAlpha since October 2021, and her efforts have been recognized through course credit granted by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Caroline Bendickson presenting her undergraduate research at the HudsonAlpha BioTrain Internship poster session. As part of her work at HudsonAlpha, she's also developing a manuscript to publish an updated phylogeny for the Trillium genus. Her research has earned her significant grants from the Botanical Society of America and Alabama Wildflower Society and invitations to present posters at conferences such as the American Society for Plant Biologists national and southeastern section meetings, CROPS which is hosted by HudsonAlpha, and the University of Georgia Plant Center retreat. Beyond her academic achievements, Bendickson attributes much of her success to the support and guidance of her professors at UAH: Dr. Olaf Nachtigall and Dr. Luis Cruz-Vera, her mentors who wrote letters for her scholarship application. Additionally, support and mentorship from Ms. Jennifer Staton, the Fellowship and Graduate School Advisor at UAH, were instrumental in Caroline's success, providing invaluable guidance throughout the application process. Looking ahead, Caroline plans to pursue a Ph.D. in bioinformatics, building upon her interdisciplinary background to make meaningful scientific contributions. While her undergraduate journey at UAH has equipped her with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry, she seeks to further her studies at institutions like UNC Chapel Hill, UGA, or MIT, where she can delve deeper into bioinformatics research. Bendickson's story exemplifies the transformative power of education and the endless potential of interdisciplinary exploration. As she continues her academic journey, Bendickson stands as an inspiration for aspiring scientists everywhere, proving that anything is possible with dedication and perseverance.
