Freshmen Bennett, Sublett begin hands-on research in first year as Biology Research Fellows

Freshmen Bennett, Sublett begin hands-on research in first year as Biology Research Fellows

Kim Chaudoin | 10/23/2026

Two Lipscomb University freshmen are getting an early start on their research careers after being selected as Biology Research Fellows, a competitive program that provides scholarships, faculty mentorship and opportunities to participate in scientific research beginning in their first year of college.

Matilda Bennett, a biology major from Nashville, and Natalie Sublett, a molecular biology major from Murfreesboro, were selected for the program based on their academic achievements and alignment with Lipscomb's faith-centered mission.

The Biology Research Fellows Program is designed to provide promising students with opportunities to gain valuable research experience early in their undergraduate studies. Each fellow receives a $2,000 annual scholarship, renewable for four years for a total of $8,000, in addition to existing scholarships and financial aid. Fellows are guaranteed placement in a research laboratory beginning their freshman year and acceptance into Lipscomb's competitive Summer Research Fellowship program within their first two years. Students must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA to renew the scholarship.

"Matilda and Natalie were selected as fellows based on their academic achievements and their heart for Lipscomb's faith-based mission," said Beth Conway, professor and chair of Lipscomb's Department of Biology.

Bennett, a graduate of St. Cecilia Academy, was drawn to Lipscomb by its close-knit community and opportunities to build meaningful relationships with faculty and fellow students.

"The unique community and the opportunities for close connections with professors and classmates led me to select Lipscomb as my school," said Bennett.

Although she is still exploring her future career path, Bennett has a particular interest in cancer and molecular research. She enjoys discovering how biological systems function and looks forward to exploring different areas of scientific inquiry through the fellowship.

"I am so honored to be selected as a Biology Research Fellow and I can't wait for the new things I will get to encounter through this hands-on learning," she said.

Sublett, a graduate of Lipscomb Academy, has longstanding connections to the university. Both of her parents attended Lipscomb, and she became more familiar with campus through participation in IMPACT, a summer youth event.

Sublett said Lipscomb's Christ-centered environment, combined with the research opportunities available through the Department of Biology, made the university a natural choice.

"I love getting to be in a Christ-centered community, and knowing that I get to grow spiritually as well as academically," she said.

With interests in cancer and genetics research, Sublett hopes to attend medical school and become a physician. She said studying molecular biology allows her to "better understand the human body and appreciate the intricacies of God's creation."

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in research," said Sublett. "I feel honored to be recognized in such a great program."

Both students say their first semester at Lipscomb has been a positive experience. Bennett is looking forward to the discoveries and experiences ahead, while Sublett describes the university as a welcoming community that already feels like home.

Through the Biology Research Fellows Program, the two students will have opportunities to translate classroom learning into hands-on scientific discovery while developing the knowledge, skills and relationships that will prepare them for their future careers, said Conway.

Learn more about Lipscomb's Department of Biology.