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When Kendall Myers first arrived at ����ֱ�� State University at Stark as a College Credit Plus student, she knew she had an interest in biology. What she could not have predicted was just how far that passion would take her.

Since enrolling at ����ֱ�� State Stark, Myers has built an undergraduate resume more commonly associated with seasoned researchers than college seniors, publishing scientific work, earning national recognition for microscopy, presenting award-winning research across multiple disciplines and now graduating this spring with dual bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology.

Her latest accomplishments add to an already extraordinary academic career.

This year, Myers successfully defended her senior honors thesis and earned Thesis of Distinction, one of the highest honors awarded to undergraduate researchers. Her project focused on metal deposition in the mandibles of invasive ambrosia beetles. She explored how these insects use specialized metals to attack native trees. This research provides insights into the understanding of invasive species and forest health.

“It was a great feeling to see the results come together,” Myers said. “I had worked on that project for about three years, so successfully defending it and receiving that recognition meant a lot.”

Her thesis was also selected as ����ֱ�� State’s nominee for the National Collegiate Honors Council Portz Scholars Award, a prestigious national competition recognizing outstanding undergraduate honors research.

“Only one person from each university can be nominated each year,” Myers said. “There are so many people doing great work on the Stark Campus, so it was an honor to even be considered.”

The research also led to a newly published paper in Scientific Reports, adding a peer-reviewed publication to her growing list of accomplishments.

Additionally, Myers received the 2026 Departmental Award for the Honors Program, another recognition she said was both meaningful and motivating.

“It was really special and very encouraging to be considered for so many different awards,” she said.

Her work has also drawn recognition nationally.

At the annual meeting of the Association of Southeastern Biologists in Mobile, she presented her ambrosia beetle research and won the 2026 Oral Presentation Award in Animal Biology.

Later, she presented two separate projects at ����ֱ�� State’s Symposium of Undergraduate Research and Experience and the Stark Campus Student Conference.  She earned first place for her poster presentation on antlion respiration and second place for her research on mole cricket metal deposition.

“It is always exciting to share your scientific findings with others,” Myers said. “When so many people are presenting such a wide range of excellent research, it means a lot to be recognized.”

Those who have worked alongside her say the recognition is no surprise.

“Kendall has all the traits faculty hope to find in an undergraduate researcher,” said Matthew Lehnert, Ph.D., Myers’ faculty mentor and research adviser. “She is exceptionally bright, deeply committed to discovery and fearless in tackling complex scientific questions. Watching her growth as a scientist has been extraordinary.”

Earlier this year, Myers and Lehnert earned international attention when their microscopy image received Honorable Mention in the 2025 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition, one of the world’s premier scientific imaging competitions, which drew thousands of entries from nearly 100 countries.

For Myers, however, the story is as much about mentorship, campus support and community as it is about awards.

“I could not have had the success I’ve had without the faculty at the Stark Campus,” she said. “My research mentor, Dr. Matthew Lehnert, and so many other faculty members have been beyond supportive. They truly made the difference in my experience, and I owe them a lot of credit and appreciation.”

As Myers looks toward her next chapter, Lehnert is confident her passion for science will propel her toward an extraordinary career.  

“One of the things that stood out most with Kendall is how easily and quickly she adapted to doing rigorous science,” he said. “It is truly a calling for her, and I am glad she found her passion. I have no doubts that Kendall will become an internationally recognized scientist and have an amazing career.”

This summer, Myers will work with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in water quality monitoring and endangered and invasive species management before beginning a Ph.D. in biology this fall at Case Western Reserve University, where she will study butterfly and moth evolution, development and sensory systems.

“Wherever science has taken me so far has only made me more excited about what comes next,” Myers said.

For a student who began her ����ֱ�� State journey while still in high school, the path ahead is limitless and bright.

Learn more about Biological Sciences at ����ֱ�� State Stark.