Draven Blade Reynolds
Campbellsville University Undergraduate Senior
2024 ACA Ledford Scholarship Recipient
Blade, a senior double majoring in Chemistry and Biology with a minor in Mathematics, has been an integral part of our team for the past two years, contributing significantly to the research on KCNE3 membrane proteins.
Focusing on the effects of interaction-impairing mutations on the structural dynamics of KCNE3, Blade employs EPR Spectroscopy to elucidate how various environments influence these properties. This meticulous work enriches our understanding of the protein and underlines his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
As he prepares for graduation in May 2025, Blade is enhancing his academic credentials and honing practical skills as a part-time pharmacy technician. His aspirations of attending pharmacy school reflect his dedication to applying his research experience in a clinical setting. Blade is a promising researcher, and we are excited to see where his journey leads him next.
2024 ACA Ledford Scholar
Blade was selected to receive the Appalachian College Association (ACA) Ledford Research Scholarship for Summer 2024. Blade is one of 48 scholars chosen from 20 institutions for this honor.
The ACA Ledford Research Scholarships provide financial support to enable students to conduct significant research projects under the mentorship of esteemed faculty members during the summer or fall terms. Upon completing their projects, Ledford scholars present their research findings through video presentations, which are recognized and made available on the ACA’s website at the end of the fall semester.
Blade has been diligently working under the guidance of faculty mentor, Dr. Indra D. Sahu, on his research titled: "Studying the Effect of the Interaction Impairing Mutations on the Structural Dynamic Properties of KCNE3 in Different Environments using EPR Spectroscopy."
As part of Blade's final requirements for the scholarship, he delivered a presentation on his research findings, which can be viewed HERE.
2023 Kentucky Academy of Science Recognition
In addition to his current achievements, Blade received the “Thoroughbred” rating for his research presentation titled "EPR Spectroscopic Study of KCNE3 in the Presence of Interaction Impairing Mutations using EPR Spectroscopy" at the 2023 Kentucky Academy of Science annual meeting. The Thoroughbred award is the highest rating awarded for student research at this annual event, highlighting Blade's exceptional work and dedication to his field.
