AU undergraduate research team selected for national advocacy program

Siva Panda, PhD, professor in Augusta University’s College of Science and Mathematics, and undergraduate research students Anshuman Khadanga and FaithAnn Ferguson have been selected to participate in the Council on Undergraduate Research’s 2026-27 Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR): Where Research Meets Civic Impact Program.

This national program brings together undergraduate researchers and faculty mentors to develop skills in communicating the societal value of research, engaging with policymakers and advocating for evidence-based solutions to important challenges facing society.

“Being selected to lead an Augusta University team in the STR program is a tremendous honor and meaningful recognition of my longstanding commitment to undergraduate research, mentorship, and scientific discovery. I am incredibly proud of FaithAnn and Anshuman, and we are honored to represent Augusta University nationally while demonstrating how student-driven discovery can create meaningful impact far beyond the laboratory,” Panda said.

Panda’s interdisciplinary research program integrates medicinal chemistry, computational approaches, analytical characterization and biological evaluation to advance drug-discovery efforts that address significant health challenges. Ferguson focuses on the chemistry and analytical characterization of potential therapeutic compounds, while Khadanga focuses on their biological evaluation, connecting chemical design with biological activity and therapeutic potential.

AU’s team is one of five teams selected from Georgia. This year, the program includes 50 campus representatives and 143 undergraduate researchers.

“Dr. Panda has a long track record of outstanding research, which has included mentorship of a large number of undergraduate students,” said Thomas Crute, PhD, interim dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. “The Council on Undergraduate Research is a highly respected organization that promotes the development of the next generation of scholars. Dr. Panda’s selection is well deserved and underscores our commitment to both student development and research excellence.”

Through the STR program, the team will strengthen its ability to communicate biomedical research to policymakers, healthcare professionals, community leaders and the public. Panda’s team will also explore how scientific evidence can inform public policy and healthcare decisions, as well as how undergraduate researchers can become advocates for research, STEM education and public health.

This is Augusta University’s third selection for this national program. Daria Ilatovskya, PhD, an associate professor in the Medical College of Georgia, and alumnus Adam Jones participated in the 2022-23 STR cohort. Deborah Jehu, PhD, an associate professor in AU’s School of Public Health, and alumnae Antinett Ampiah, Charlotte Downs, and Elizabeth Nelson-Twakor participated in the 2024-25 STR cohort.  

“Dr. Panda, CURS’ Distinguished Undergraduate Research Mentor last year, has guided dozens of students with knowledge, guidance. He has a talent for pushing students outside of their comfort zone while remaining consistently available and encouraging,” said Quentin Davis, PhD, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship. “I am very proud that Dr. Panda’s team was selected by CUR to represent Augusta University at the national level. This is a unique opportunity for our students to learn strategies for communicating the outcomes and far-reaching impacts of research.”