More than 50 students and several teachers from ABSS CTEC Burlington joined Elon’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Exercise Science and Performing Arts to celebrate National Biomechanics Day, an annual global event held since 2016. All of the CTEC students were on the health science track, making the experience an opportunity to connect their academic interests with potential future pathways.

Students rotated through six stations focused on different aspects of biomechanics, each designed to highlight both fundamental concepts and practical applications.

At the static balance station, participants completed variations of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), testing their ability to maintain stability in double-leg, single-leg and tandem stances on both firm and foam surfaces. The neuromotor station focused on coordination and motor learning through activities like mirror tracing, maze completion and target-based drawing tasks. At the strength station, students measured grip strength using handheld dynamometers and observed muscle activation through electromyography (EMG).

Movement was further explored at the tandem gait station, where students walked heel-to-toe along a straight line. As they progressed from forward to backwards walking and added cognitive challenges like counting or spelling backwards, the tasks became increasingly difficult. At the jump station, participants measured their vertical and horizontal jumping ability, learning how lower-body power is assessed in sports and exercise settings. The final station challenged students to think like engineers. Using simple materials, groups built functional models of an elbow joint, aiming to replicate natural movement. The activity highlighted the relationship between biomechanics and design, with connections to prosthetics and rehabilitation technology.

Faculty from exercise science, performing arts and physical therapy, along with student volunteers, led the stations and guided discussions throughout the day. Their involvement created a collaborative environment where participants could ask questions, test ideas and explore new interests.

By the end of the event, students were left with a deeper understanding of how biomechanics applies to everyday movement, health, and performance; as well as a clearer picture of how those interests could shape their future.

Lumen Scholars will work closely with their mentors during the next two years to pursue and complete their projects. Efforts traditionally include coursework, study abroad, research both on and off campus, internships locally and overseas, program development, and creative productions and performances.

“It was another very competitive year, and the Lumen Advisory Board saw many good applications,” said Michael Carignan, director of the Lumen Prize and professor of history. “These 15 represent truly special talent and engagement. We look forward to watching the projects unfold over the next two years.”

The name for the Lumen Prize comes from Elon’s historic motto, “Numen Lumen,” which are Latin words meaning “spiritual light” and “intellectual light.” The words, which are found on the 51������ seal, signify the highest purposes of an Elon education.

2026 Lumen Prize Winners

Tajallah Amirkhil
Mentor: Molly Green
Major: Public Health & Biochemistry
Project: Barriers and Resilience: Exploring Mental Health among Afghan Refugee Women in North Carolina

Emma Briceño
Mentors: Dan Burns & Tita Ramirez
Major: English (Creative Writing)
Project: The Desert Lighthouse, a Novel: an Exploration of Queerness and Safety through Body Horror, Immortality, and Genre Reinvention

Kelley Calvillo
Mentor: Renay Aumiller
Major: Dance Performance and Choreography
Project: The Body Knows: Developing a Feminist Framework for Distributed Choreographic Authorship

Chloe Cone
Mentors: Eryn Bernardy & Ahlam Armaly
Major: Biochemistry
Project: Solutions in the Soil: Unearthing Novel Antibacterial Compounds from Soil Microbes to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Sanai Crosby
Mentors: Lauren Kearns & Matt Wittstein
Major: Exercise Science & Dance Science
Project: Dance and Neural Activity: Examining Neural Activity Across the Choreographic Process and Performance Environments

Fleur Helmantel
Mentor: Scott Wolter
Major: Biomedical Engineering & Chinese Studies
Project: Development of Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Anna Keller
Mentor: Scott Morrison
Project: Perceptions and Practices of Outdoor Literacy: a Two-Part Mixed-Methods Study

Nevaeh Kimmie
Mentor: Katrina Jongman-Sereno
Major: Psychology & Economics
Project: To Code-Switch or Not to Code-Switch: Authenticity, Psychological Outcomes, and Social Judgement of Black College Students in Predominantly White Academic Spaces

Lisa Kranec
Mentors: Hwayeon Ryu & Efrain Rivera-Serrano
Major: Biomedical Engineering & Applied Mathematics
Project: Mathematical Modeling of Excessive Collagen Production in Cardiac Fibrosis

Jordyne Lewis
Mentor: Steve DeLoach
Major: Economic Consulting & Data Analytics
Refugees, Emotional Wellbeing, and Financial Inclusion in Uganda

Kendall Lewis
Mentor: Jen Uno
Major: Biochemistry & Mathematics
Project: Can the Microbiome Heal the Brain?Evaluating Butyrate’s Efficiency in Reducing Stroke Severity within the Context of Obesity

Ja’Mir Parham
Mentor: Zack Hutchens
Major: Astrophysics
Project: RESOLVE, ECO, and eRASS: Probing Galaxy Growth through Cold and Hot Gas

Danny Stern
Mentor: Karl Sienerth
Major: Chemistry
Project: From Backlog to Breakthrough: Use of Fluorescence Quenching for the Development of an Explosive Identification Database

Ainsley Thompson
Mentor: Yuko Miyamoto
Major: Biochemistry
Project: Decreasing Platinum Chemotherapy Resistance by Downregulating STAT3 and Upregulating PTEN in the SKOV3 Cell Line

Scout Winter
Mentor: Bill Evans
Major: Exercise Science
Project: Effects of a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet on Insulin Resistance and Inflammation in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Maddie Hewgley ’26 is using her undergraduate research to explore a complex and timely question: Why are states continuing to pass Second Amendment Preservation Act laws even after courts have ruled them unconstitutional?

When Hewgley, a political science and music theatre major, Lumen Scholar and Elon College Fellow, began researching legislation from her home state of Missouri, she did not expect it to open the door to a much broader national conversation about federalism, state power and policy diffusion. She will present her findings during the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) on April 28.

Her research project, “Bullets & Bills,” explores how and why the Second Amendment Preservation Act continues to be adopted at the state level, despite the federal court deeming it unconstitutional.

The Second Amendment Preservation Act aims to prevent states from enforcing federal gun laws that are not mirrored at the state level.

“These are laws that states are passing that attempt to nullify federal gun laws if there is not a state equivalent,’” Hewgley said. “What surprised me most is that states continue to pass them even after federal courts ruled they violate the supremacy clause of the United States Constitution. Civilians can even sue law enforcement for enforcing this federal policy.”

Missouri became the first state to pass this law in 2021, sparking similar legislation in 14 additional states. Hewgley’s research focuses on understanding what is driving these laws.

“My main question is not just what these laws are, it’s how and why they are continuing to proliferate despite legal challenges,” Hewgley said.

For Hewgley, this topic is not just academic, it’s personal.

“I lost loved ones to gun violence when I was younger,” Hewgley said. “I felt really helpless. This research feels like a way to take initiative on something that is much larger than myself.”

That experience led her to participate in gun violence activism and motivated her to conduct this research. She emphasizes that her research is not intended to advocate for one side of the debate, but to understand the mechanisms behind these laws.

Her findings show how states have adapted their strategies over time. Missouri’s original law included aggressive enforcement mechanisms and was struck down; states like South Carolina have passed revised versions with softer language or attached them to broader legislation to avoid legal scrutiny.

“States want to send a message or align themselves politically, but they are learning from earlier failures and adjusting their approach,” Hewgley said.

To analyze this trend, Hewgley has studied the theory of policy diffusion, which examines how and why policies spread between states. Her work explores whether states are motivated by emulation, learning, competition or coercion.

“I think states influence each other,” Hewgley said. “Missouri isn’t usually a policy innovator, so the fact that they were the first to pass this and others are following is really interesting.”

Her research also examines external influences, such as advocacy groups and political shifts at the national level, and how they drive some of this legislation.

Hewgley has studied documents, legislation and conducted a content analysis to build her research. One of her surprising findings was that many residents in Missouri were unaware this law existed, despite its significant implications.

“That finding made me question whether these laws are really meant to have an impact or if they are more symbolic,” Hewgley said.

Ultimately, Hewgley hopes her research encourages people to look beyond this law and consider larger questions about the balance of federalism in the United States.

“This is not just about gun rights; it’s about how states and the federal government interact and how that applies to so many other issues, from abortion to marijuana laws,” Hewgley said.

Hewgley’s research was mentored by Dillan Bono-Lunn, assistant professor of political science and public policy.

“When I met with Dr. Bono-Lunn, I knew before I left her office that she was who I wanted to be by mentor because I came to her with two research ideas, one that was pretty fleshed out and the other was a headline about Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act, which I was exceptionally interested in pursuing, but I did not have a research question,” Hewgley said. “She encouraged me to pursue a research idea that I was excited about, and now three years later I am pursuing that research. She allows me to follow whatever thread I find and has taught me that a good researcher stays curious and flexible at every stage of the process.”

As she prepares to present her research, Hewgley reflected on how far she’s come.

“If you had told me as a first-year student that I’d be researching something this complex, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said. “Now, I feel like I can really contribute to the conversation and it’s made me feel like I’ve made an impact.”

“Lempicka,” a contemporary musical inspired by the life of renowned Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempicka, explores the intersections of art, identity, survival and ambition in a rapidly changing world. Known for its sweeping score and stylized theatricality, the production offers both performers and audiences a rich, layered storytelling experience.

For Shively, the project is an opportunity to engage with a complex historical figure whose life defies simple categorization.

“We often want to draw clean lines between talent and character,” Shively notes. “’Lempicka’ resists that impulse. It invites us to sit with contradiction—to consider what it means to survive, to create, and to be human in a world shaped by political upheaval and personal reinvention.”

The production brings together student artists, designers and musicians in a highly collaborative process that mirrors Shively’s teaching philosophy. Centered on curiosity, rigor and ensemble-driven storytelling, her rehearsal room emphasizes both artistic risk-taking and thoughtful inquiry. Students are encouraged not only to refine their craft but also to engage critically with the historical and cultural contexts of the work.

This opportunity also reflects Elon’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and professional engagement beyond campus. By directing at a neighboring institution, Shively strengthens ties across the Triad’s arts community while modeling for students what it means to be an active, working artist in the field.

Elon College Fellow Helena Padial is serving as assistant director of the production as part of her undergraduate research project.

“Helena’s research directly connected to my decision to accept this offer,” said Shively. “Her research into queer representation in the entertainment industry centers the Broadway production of ‘Lempicka.’ When UNCG was open to Helena working on the production, I immediately said yes.”

Projects like ‘Lempicka’ demonstrate how Shively bridges her work as an educator and a professional director. Opening weekend is sold out, but tickets remain for closing weekend, April 23-26.

“My dad would put me in any recreational sport that was happening in our town. I played softball, basketball, and even track. But I’ve always loved to dance,” Harrison said.

In the summer of her junior year of high school, Harrison attended a summer dance program at Radford University, where she met Elon West African Dance professor Keshia Gee.

“She told me about Elon’s dance science program, and I did my research and decided to apply,” she said. “I cried tears of joy when I got admitted.”

Combining her passions for dance and physical therapy, Harrison decided to enroll at Elon for the opportunities that come with the dance science major.

“I saw that the dance science program was a way for me to open the door for physical therapy. I found that there was more opportunity in this major rather than a typical path,” she said. “This major gives me the background to solidify trust with a patient because I know the body and know how to alleviate the pain they may feel, so they can get back to playing a sport or doing their art.”

Harrison is also pursuing minors in exercise science, African studies and dance. Later in her Elon career, she aspires to conduct undergraduate research involving West African dance with Assistant Professor of Dance Keshia Gee. She has also had her sights set on planning a Winter Term study abroad program to broaden her studies on a global scale.

One of Elon’s opportunities she is using to her advantage is the EMT-Basic certification course done in collaboration with Alamance Community College. Aligned with her physical therapy aspirations, Harrison is excited to complete the course and take the final exam to earn her official EMT certification.

“The aspect of helping people is why I want to do sports physical therapy. I get to incorporate that into my EMT work,” she said. “I’m already getting more confident with labs and learning skills from the practice.”

Eager to learn more and advance her career as much as possible, Harrison has connected with Elon’s athletic trainer for club sports and performing arts, Christina Yanakis. Harrison recently attended a club hockey game alongside Yanakis, where she saw a professional in action.

“I was able to observe her scope of practice and see the different dynamics of hockey players and their pain points. It helped me realize that I want to do both sports and performing arts, which is why I think physical therapy is my correct path,” said Harrison.

When asked about what she is most proud of, Harrison replied, “I’m proud of how committed I am to the career path I’m on. I’ve stayed with it, and there have been times where I’ve debated changing, but as I advance, I realize more and more that this is what I want to do.”

Harrison’s F.W. Beazley Leadership Scholarship has strengthened her resilience in pursuing her passions.

“With any experience, you get what you put into it, so I am giving it all my might, and I hope I get that in return,” she said.

This mindset has led to sustained motivation and incredible progress within her studies.

She notes that the support through scholarships has given her motivation, adding, “The donors believe in me so much that they will spend their resources and time to make sure that I succeed in my education and career. I am striving for greatness, and I promise to make you proud, and I will always be grateful for the financial help from Elon donors.”

Polly was my second-ever voice teacher. I met her when I was 18 years old. In hindsight, I think I might have been one of her first students, as she isn’t much older than I am. But she was definitely an expert opera singer in my eyes, and a brilliant teacher. She taught me vocal technique, to sing in French, German, Italian and English, with songs from “Oklahoma” and “The Pirates of Penzance.”

She was also a new mom when I met her. I loved kids and wanted some of my own someday, so I enjoyed asking her about her family during my voice lessons. In my junior year of college, she went on maternity leave to have her second daughter, who I also babysat on occasion. I’ve enjoyed watching her children grow up and become successful young adults.

Polly knew what I could do before I did, and helped me become the soprano I was born to be. I was a very driven performer and student, and relished in any opportunity to exceed her expectations. I’m glad I was really into being “extra” at the time, because it definitely paid off. I made the most of those four years to study, practice and learn, and eventually became a Broadway performer.

She came to see me play Glinda in “Wicked” on Broadway the first time I went on. I was an understudy, and rarely knew when I was going to be playing the role, but the first date I did, she was there.

I graduated in 2003, but even last year, she came to see me perform at a benefit in Greensboro. I was so nervous. Even though I am a seasoned performer, I was still desperate to exceed her expectations, because I love and respect her as a fellow artist and as a friend. We got to spend time together after that show and talked about the same things we talked about in 2000.

She made an enormous impact on my career, and I am grateful to still have her in my life.

Lindsay Northen Bradshaw ’03, a BFA music theatre graduate, spent more than a decade in “Wicked” on Broadway and now performs in “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond” with Walt Disney Entertainment.

While in the city, the ensemble also had the opportunity to meet with Elon alumni currently performing on Broadway.

During the week, students attended performances of “Aladdin” and “The Book of Mormon.” Alumni currently performing in the productions took time to meet with the students after the shows to share stories of their experiences on Broadway.

Michael Callahan ‘13 and Campy Rodriguez ‘26 welcomed one group of students following the March 10 performance of “Aladdin” for photos and a backstage tour. Callahan is cast as a swing — covering multiple ensemble roles, dance captain, fight captain and understudy to Iago and Omar. Rodriguez is making his Broadway debut as a henchman, ensemble member and understudy to Aladdin.

Callahan and Rodriguez gave the students a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre, offering students a rare look backstage at the production. Students were able to see props and technical elements used in the show and learn more about what it takes to bring the Broadway production to life each show.

“Getting to meet Michael and Campy made such a big city feel like a small world, knowing I had an Elon connection to people doing such amazing things on Broadway,” said Alana Driver ‘27, a flutist in the Wind Ensemble. “It was inspiring to hear about their journeys and see how their experiences at Elon helped lead them to where they are now. … Standing on the stage and realizing Elon alumni are part of what makes those productions possible was incredibly meaningful.”

Andrew Stevens Purdy ‘20 invited another group of students onto the stage for a photo following a March 10 performance of “The Book of Mormon” where he is making his Broadway debut in the ensemble cast.

“Meeting an Elon alumni on Broadway showed me that with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve the seemingly unattainable goals you set for yourself,” said Ian Wong ‘28, a flutist in the Wind Ensemble. “At one point, he was in the exact position I am in now — a first-year student at Elon, striving to work hard and make a name for myself. Being able to go backstage and walk on a Broadway stage was an incredible experience. Seeing first-hand the complexity of the props, lighting and all the details that go into making a show run smoothly was really eye-opening.”

The Broadway shows were one of several experiences the Wind Ensemble enjoyed during their trip in New York City, culminating in their performance at Carnegie Hall, the first time an Elon ensemble has performed at the venue.

The alumni were excited for the opportunity to meet current Elon students and share a part of their world with them.

“I had a wonderful time meeting this group of Elon students and, hopefully, helped them bridge the gap between dream and reality in some small way,” Callahan said. “I remember the Elon alumni who were, and still are, resources for me as I graduated and pursued a career in New York City. I’m honored to pay it forward.”

Caughell, who is currently starring as Jersey in the national tour of “Hell’s Kitchen,”  made a stop at her alma mater while performing at the Tanger Center in Greensboro, North Carolina, offering Elon music theatre students a chance to learn directly from a working Broadway professional.

Caughell’s ability to guide young performers comes from more than a decade of professional experience. After graduating from Elon in 2012, she quickly built an impressive musical theatre resumé, including national tours of “American Idiot” and “Wicked” and the Broadway companies of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812,” with Josh Groban.

Her extensive experience made her return especially meaningful for current students, many of whom had followed her career for years.

“I have followed Kennedy on social media since before coming to Elon, so it was super exciting to meet her in person.” Brooke Chamberlin ‘27, the first student to sing for Caughell, said.

That energy carried into Yeager Recital Hall, where students packed the space for the masterclass. Performers sat in the front row, sheet music in hand, while observers opened their laptops and notebooks, ready to absorb all that they possibly could.

Ten students performed for Caughell: Aubee Billie ‘26, Nate Kromer ‘26, Brooke Chamberlin ‘27, Ella Davison ‘27, Victoria Martinez ‘28, Leilani Miranda ‘28, Treasure Capers ‘29, Laney Gaston ‘29, and Grace Santo ‘29. After each performance, Caughell offered individualized feedback, adjusting her approach to meet each student’s artistic personality.

“It was clear each person who participated in the masterclass had different needs and different styles of learning, and yet Kennedy was able to cater to all of us in such an effective way,” Chamberlin said. “She had such a calming, grounded presence that cured my nerves as soon as I stepped on stage. Her gentle and kind demeanor also helped each of the performers feel safe to push out of our comfort zones, which can be a very scary thing to do when performing in front of your faculty and peers.”

Leilani Miranda ‘28 echoed that sentiment: “Singing for Kennedy was so incredible,” she siad. “I learned and retained so much from this masterclass. She is such a joy to work with!”

Miranda said the class gave her concrete tools to improve her technique, including “how to support a high mix belt and shape vowels while singing.” With Caughell’s guidance, she applied each correction in real time, watching her piece shift and strengthen as they worked.

Moments like these reflected the larger lesson Caughell brought to campus: dedicated preparation, proper training, and courage when it counts can take you from the audition room to the Broadway stage.

Related Articles

• The Month in Photos: January 2026
• The Months in Photos: December 2025
• The Month in Photos: November 2025

February brought a mix of wintry charm and early hints of spring to campus, as the Elon community embraced a month filled with meaningful moments.

From engaging lectures and cultural celebrations to everyday scenes of connection, these photos capture the energy and spirit that defined February at Elon. Take a look back at some of the snapshots that tell the story of the month on campus, through the eyes of staff in the Office of University Communications.

Springing into the semester

The Spring Organization Fair brings together organizations for students across campus to encourage involvement and get the semester started.

Space for studying

Elon offers a variety of spaces away from the classroom to study, including the Inman Reading Room in Lindner Hall.

A Survivor’s story

Alexander Silbiger was a young child when Nazi Germany invaded and occupied his home in the Netherlands. On Feb. 12, Silbiger told the story of his family’s escape from the country in 51������’s Holocaust Remembrance Day speaker event.

Black History Month

In February, Elon recognized Black History Month through a series of events and programming, including the Tiny Shelf Concert.

La Vie Boheme

The Department of Performing Arts performed “RENT” in McCrary Theatre from Feb. 13-15. tells the story of a group of New York City friends dealing with life and loss amid the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Mardi Gras!

The 51������ community came together for its annual Mardi Gras celebration on Feb. 17, 2026, with festive food and fun.

Here are my Phoenix Five tips for the week ahead:

Cheer on the Phoenix – Elon Athletics Calendar

Spring is a great time to cheer on your classmates as they compete on the court and the field. Visit the for all the details about competitions coming this week:

• Men’s Basketball vs. UNCW – Tuesday, March 3, 7 p.m., Schar Center
• Lacrosse vs. High Point – Thursday, March 5, 5 p.m., Rudd Field
• Women’s Soccer vs. Appalachian State – Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m., Rudd Field
• Baseball vs. North Carolina A&T – Friday, March 6, 4 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m.,  Latham Park
• Softball vs. North Carolina A&T – Friday, March 6, 4:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m., Hunt Softball Park
• Men’s Soccer vs. Belmont Abbey – Friday, March 6, 7 p.m., Rudd Field
• Men’s Tennis vs. Georgia State – Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m., Jimmy Powell Tennis Center
• Women’s Basketball vs. UNCW – Saturday, March 7, 7 p.m., Schar Center
• Men’s and Women’s Tennis vs. South Carolina State – Sunday, March 8, 1 p.m., Jimmy Powell Tennis Center

Reminder: OnTrack Contact Info Review (March 2-31)

We hope to never need to reach out to your emergency contact, but when we do, it’s important we can connect with them quickly. Beginning Monday, March 2, when you log in to OnTrack, you’ll be prompted to review your contact and emergency information as part of a new twice-yearly process to help ensure your information is updated and accurate. You can complete the process immediately when prompted or choose Skip for Now and return later.

Elon Wind Ensemble Carnegie Hall Preview

Wednesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m., Alumni Gym

The Elon Wind Ensemble will be making their Carnegie Hall debut next week. But before they go, you can hear them perform a special preview concert featuring conductor Jonathan Poquette and solo guitarist Carey Harwood. Don’t miss this exciting evening of music!

Elon Day 2026

Thursday, March 5, ALL DAY

Elon Day is THIS Thursday! That means food, games, prizes and activities all day. Check out how you can celebrate the university’s annual day of giving:

• Check out the schedule .
• Wear maroon and gold! Get 10% off spirit apparel and gifts in the Barnes & Noble Campus Bookstore and online (code: THANKYOU26), including on clearance items.
• Post about #ElonDay on social media.
• Follow SUB on IG to “Phind the Phoenix.” Win the scavenger hunt to get a Phoenix bobblehead AND give $200 to the campus fund of your choice!

Stay tuned for more information throughout the week.

“Roots & Horizons” Spring Dance Concerts

Friday, March 6, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

Experience the Spring Dance Concert, inspired by the Akan concept of Sankofa, meaning “to go back and get it,” which emphasizes the importance of learning from the past to move forward. The show features work choreographed by women and performed by Elon students. Tickets are free to Elon students.