SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Three Wofford College students have received funding through the Student/Faculty Research Program of South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc. for 2015.

Of the 43 research proposals the organization received from 12 member colleges, 32 projects were funded with a total of $98,763.

Wofford students receiving funding are Alexander G. Bentley, a junior biology major from Salem, Va.; Lauren B. King, a junior psychology major from Lexington, S.C.; and Jordan A. Thomas, a junior chemistry major from Boiling Springs, S.C.

Bentley’s research project is “occurrence, distribution and management of at-risk upland amphibian and reptile species.” His faculty sponsor is Dr. Charles F. Smith, assistant professor of biology.

King’s project is “assessing prevention and wellness promotion programs in community colleges for post-9/11 veterans.” Her faculty sponsor is Dr. John C. Lefebvre, professor and chair of the department of psychology.

Thomas’ project is “metformin, cancer and glucose metabolism.” His faculty sponsor is Dr. Ramin Radfar, associate professor of chemistry.

The research projects will run from June through December of this year.

Two Wofford students received funding from SCICU last year and made presentations on their research in February of this year at the annual SCICU Research Symposium. They are Kyle N. Murdock, a sophomore chemistry major from Leesville, S.C.; and Imtiaz I. Alimohamed, a junior biology and business major from Spartanburg. Murdock’s project was “cancer cell metabolism: inhibition of hexokinase by metformin.” Radfar also served as his faculty sponsor. Alimohamed’s project was “is the parabrachial nucleus of the rat necessary for benzodiazepine-induced increases in licking to taste stimuli?” His faculty sponsor was Dr. David W. Pittman, associate professor of psychology.

Developed by SCICU in 1995, the Student/Faculty Research Program is designed to strengthen educational programs for students attending member institutions by providing quality undergraduate research experiences. Students who receive the grant must conclude their research by Dec. 4, 2015, and make a presentation at the SCICU Research Symposium in February 2016.