Dr. Anita McCulloch
Director
113A Sims Science Building
mccullocha@winthrop.edu
803/323-4932
Dr. McCulloch serves as the Director of the Eagle STEM Scholars Program. She has been an adjunct professor in the Biology Department for many years, and she has taught courses including Introductory Biology, Ecology, Environmental Biology, Environmental Studies, Ecology Evolution & Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, and Scientific Process. Dr. McCulloch received her B.S. in Marine Biology from College of Charleston and worked in fisheries at the Department of Natural Resources. She received her M.S. in Marine Biology from University of Oregon. Her research focused on the physical oceanographic effects of topographically generated fronts on the distribution and settlement of zooplankton. She earned a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from North Carolina State University where she conducted research in the Galápagos Archipelago under a NASA funded grant. She studied the seasonal and ENSO variability of phytoplankton using satellite data and microscopy identification. She also used high-performance liquid chromatography to study the behavioral patterns of Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB’s - red tides). During her postdoctoral research at Oregon State University, Dr. McCulloch used toxin analyses to identify the HAB species, Pseudonitchia sp.
Dr. Jason Hurlbert
Assistant Director
301B Sims Science Building
hurlbertj@winthrop.edu
803/323-4928
Dr. Hulbert's research is centered on studying the structure/function relationships of proteins. We use a variety of techniques to accomplish this goal and the research spans the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry and biophysics. Typically, proteins in bacterial systems are cloned and expressed, recombinant proteins are purified and characterized, conditions suitable for crystallization are identified, and then the structure of the crystallized protein is solved. The variety of techniques used provides plenty of opportunities for undergraduates to learn techniques that they will need in whatever post-baccalaureate path they choose.
Maya Scott
Program Assistant
113A Sims Science Building
eaglestemga@winthrop.edu
803/323-4934
Maya Scott is the Program Assistant for the Eagle STEM Scholars Program. Maya was an Eagle STEM Scholar and received her undergraduate degree in Individualized Studies from Winthrop University in Fall 2024. During her time as an undergraduate at Winthrop, she was a part of the Science Education Alliance Program where she participated in undergraduate phage research. She is the co-author of the Complete genome sequences of Mycobacterium smegmatis phages Ashballer and Bombitas. She is also a co-researcher in The Relation between Childhood Experience with Parenting Styles and Adult Relationship Quality. This research was presented at the Southwestern Psychological Association Conference in Atlanta, GA and won an Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award. Maya’s primary research is centered on Alzheimer’s Disease in the African American community. The biggest question is “Why is Alzheimer’s Disease more prevalent in the African American community and why is there a lack of diagnoses?” In her research she uses an interdisciplinary approach that is essential when having a clear understanding of all the components that make up this form of dementia. She is joining the Biology Master’s Program in Fall 2025. Maya is also the published author of the “Lingering Innocence” mystery series.
