The science of inspiration: Dr. Melissa Hayes honored for impact on students and community

Dr. Melissa Hayes, a Lander University associate professor, has found that teaching microbiology can’t be confined to a laboratory. Often the lessons with the greatest impact are found in student research opportunities and in the greater Greenwood community and beyond.

For her teaching, research and service achievements, Hayes has been named the recipient of the prestigious Mary Frances Poole Alston Award, which recognizes a Lander faculty or staff member who has made a significant impact on the community. The award was established by longtime SCETV host Rowland P. Alston in honor of his grandmother, a 1914 graduate of Lander.

“Truly humbling” is the way Hayes described being recognized with the award, which was presented during the University’s annual Lander Launch ceremony for incoming freshmen.

“It means a great deal to know that the work I do to support our students, represent Lander and build relationships beyond campus is making a difference,” said Hayes, a fellow in the Lander University Center for Faculty Excellence. “I am grateful for the recognition and for the opportunity to represent Lander in the community and across the state.”

Dr. Jennifer Yates, dean of Lander’s College of Science and Mathematics, said Hayes’ accomplishments have far-reaching implications for the field of science. “Dr. Hayes and fellow Lander faculty member Dr. Elyse Donaubauer successfully wrote a grant that enabled Lander to join the South Carolina IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE). This statewide network is designed to strengthen biomedical research and research opportunities in South Carolina.”

Through the National Institutes of Health-supported program, Lander students gain additional opportunities to participate in summer research, work alongside faculty mentors and develop skills that can prepare them for graduate study and careers in science and health-related fields, Yates said.

Beyond Lander, “Dr. Hayes is also a leader within her profession,” Yates said. “She is president of the South Carolina Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, where she has planned and executed the organization’s last three biennial conferences. Her service brings together microbiologists, researchers, educators and students from across the state to share research, exchange ideas and strengthen South Carolina’s scientific community.”

Opportunities for Student Connections

One of the most visible examples of Hayes’ approach to connecting science, students and the community is the development of Bearcat Brew, a collaboration between her Biology 421 (microbiology) students and Greenwood’s Good Times Brewing.

Through the project, students apply what they learn about microorganisms and fermentation to the brewing process. Students experiment with different yeasts, resulting in a new version annually of Bearcat Brew. The finished beer is served at Good Times Brewing and has also become part of Lander celebrations, including the University’s annual Homecoming events.

The partnership gives students an opportunity to see how concepts studied in the classroom and laboratory have practical applications while strengthening the University’s connection with the Greenwood community.

Whether Lander students are putting their classroom lessons to use by creating a new brew or conducting research on real-world problems with scientists, “I hope these relationships provide our students with experiences and connections that will continue to benefit them long after they leave Lander,” said Hayes, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Wofford College and her master’s and doctoral degrees in microbiology from Clemson University.

“It has been incredibly rewarding to see students build their résumés and use these experiences as a foundation for their next steps – whether pursuing graduate school, medical school, veterinary school, or dental school, or beginning careers across a wide variety of fields.

Inspired by Students

Professors are often credited with inspiring their students. For Hayes, inspiration travels in both directions.“The students are my greatest motivation. Seeing them become excited about science, gain confidence and discover opportunities they did not know were available to them makes the work worthwhile,” Hayes said.

“Nothing is more motivating than seeing a student go through one of those ‘lightbulb’ moments, either in the classroom, the lab or the field. I enjoy connecting students with people and experiences beyond the classroom and watching those connections open doors for their futures.”

Photo: Dr. Lillian Craton, left, director of Lander University’s Honors College, and Lander President Richard Cosentino present Dr. Melissa Hayes with the Mary Frances Poole Alston Award. Photo by Lara Zuk