A collaborative summer research program between the University of Illinois Springfield College of Health, Science and Technology (CHST) and Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) continues to grow, providing hands-on laboratory experience for students pursuing careers in the biological sciences and medicine.

Now in its third year, the program welcomed six LLCC students in June 2026, the largest cohort to date, to conduct faculty-mentored research at UIS.

The partnership, led by UIS Associate Professor of Biology Noah Reynolds and LLCC Professor of Biology Erin Shanle, combines structured training with immersive research. Associate Professor of Microbiology Samer AbuBakr joined the program this year, allowing for expanded research opportunities.

Students first participated in four preparatory sessions at LLCC during April and May, where they built essential skills in laboratory techniques, research ethics, scientific literature analysis and scientific persistence. Following this training, students spent five weeks at UIS designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data and preparing research presentations.

“This program is designed to give students early exposure to authentic research experiences,” said Reynolds. “By working directly in the lab, students gain confidence and a deeper understanding of the scientific process.”

This year’s research focused on two key areas: understanding how errors in protein synthesis contribute to neurological disorders and identifying potential new antibiotics from soil bacteria collected in Springfield.

Students presented three research posters at the conclusion of the program:

• Examining the effect of genetic mutations associated with neurological disease in yeast models (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
• Screening soil samples for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and evaluating their potential as antibiotic producers
• Investigating mutations linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease using yeast systems

The program has grown steadily since its launch in 2024, when it first supported four students through funding from the UIS Provost’s Good Idea Fund. Continued support from the Good Idea Fund and CHST has enabled expansion of new faculty mentors and increased student participation.

The partnership also reflects a strong connection between the institutions: both Reynolds and Shanle began their academic journeys at LLCC, and Reynolds is also a UIS biology alumnus.

“This collaboration highlights the impact of building clear pathways for students to transition into advanced scientific study,” Reynolds added.