Presbyterian College junior Reece Bradberry with biology professor Dr. Stuart Gordon.

When Reece Bradberry first set foot on the campus of Presbyterian College, she never imagined she would one day be conducting microbiology research that could have implications for medicine and disease prevention.

Now a junior biology major with a minor in public health, the Greenwood native has spent the past year working alongside Dr. Stuart Gordon, professor of biology, to better understand bacterial genetics and antibiotic resistance. Bradberry’s research, funded through the South Carolina IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (SC INBRE) program, focused on identifying bacteria capable of undergoing transposon mutagenesis—a process that allows scientists to study gene functions by inserting transposable elements into bacterial DNA. Over the summer, she and her research team collected and screened approximately 30 bacterial strains to identify candidates for further study.

“Even though bacteria like E. coli are among the most studied organisms in the world, there’s still so much we don’t know about their genetic makeup,” Bradberry said. “We were particularly interested in finding a bacterium that could serve as a strong candidate for transposon mutagenesis, and we ended up identifying Paenibacillus alvei, which is actually a honeybee pathogen.”

The discovery proved significant because Paenibacillus alvei demonstrated the ability to mate with E. coli and successfully accept transposons, despite not being closely related to the well-known bacteria. Such findings could aid in the development of new antibiotics and provide insights into bacterial adaptation and mutation.

Bradberry credits her introduction to research to Gordon and her experiences in microbiology classes at PC. Initially, she saw research as a way to bolster her resume, but after attending conferences and presenting her findings, she became genuinely invested in the field.

“At first, I didn’t think I would be interested in research because I had always planned to go into the medical field,” Bradberry said. “But working with Dr. Gordon really changed my perspective. I realized how much research and medicine intersect, and that deepened my appreciation for both.”

From Greenwood to Clinton

Bradberry’s journey to PC was largely influenced by her high school biology teacher, Kimberly Purcell, at Greenwood High School. Purcell, an alumna of Presbyterian College, encouraged Bradberry to explore the opportunities available at PC and helped her secure scholarships to attend.

“She always talked about how personal the learning environment was at PC and how the professors were really involved in helping students succeed,” Bradberry said. “That made a big impression on me. She also helped me with scholarships, which made PC an even better option.”

Coming from Greenwood, where she attended a large high school, Bradberry found comfort in the small, close-knit atmosphere of Presbyterian College.

“PC feels like a community. It’s not just a college where you go to class and leave,” she said. “You really get to know your professors, and they get to know you. That’s one of the things I’ve appreciated most about my experience here.”

A Passion for Healthcare

While research has become an important part of her academic journey, Bradberry remains committed to her goal of becoming a physician assistant.

“I’ve known since high school that I wanted to be a PA, and PC has given me so many opportunities to prepare for that path,” she said. “I’ve been able to shadow PAs and physicians in different clinical settings, and I’m working toward meeting the required patient-care hours for PA school.”

Bradberry recently completed an internship at NHC, a nearby healthcare facility, where she shadowed a nurse practitioner, a physician, and nursing staff. The experience gave her firsthand insight into patient care, particularly in geriatrics.

“It was eye-opening to see what providers deal with on a daily basis and how much of healthcare is about relationships,” she said. “I loved the patient interactions, and it made me even more confident that PA school is the right path for me.”

She is working to secure additional shadowing hours and clinical experience, knowing that competitive PA programs require extensive patient-care exposure.

A Leader on Campus

Beyond her academic and professional aspirations, Bradberry has been heavily involved in campus life at PC.

“When I first got here, I was a little introverted and wasn’t sure how to get involved, but my roommates and friends encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone,” she said. “That made a huge difference.”

Bradberry has since taken on leadership roles across campus. She serves as the vice president of academic affairs for the Student Government Association, the director of academic affairs for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, and has been a student ambassador and an orientation leader for two years.

Additionally, she has participated in the Celtic Cross program, played on the club volleyball team and has been an advocate for academic and student life improvements through her roles in student government.

“I think being involved is one of the best ways to make the most of your college experience,” Bradberry said. “It’s helped me develop leadership skills, meet people from different backgrounds and gain confidence in ways I never expected.”

A Bright Future

As Bradberry looks ahead to her senior year and beyond, she remains focused on preparing for PA school. She plans to apply to Presbyterian College’s PA program, where she hopes to continue her studies in a familiar and supportive environment.

“PC has given me so much academically, socially and professionally, and I feel like it would be the perfect place to take that next step in my career,” she said.

Her parents, Laurie and Ryan Bradberry, have supported her throughout her journey, from Greenwood High School to PC, and now as she prepares for a future in healthcare.

“They’ve always encouraged me to work hard and take advantage of opportunities, and I’m really grateful for that,” she said.

Bradberry hopes to inspire other students who may be unsure about research or hesitant to step outside of their comfort zones.

“I’d tell anyone coming into PC to get involved and try new things,” she said. “You never know what you’ll end up loving. I never thought I’d be doing microbiology research or speaking at conferences, but now I can’t imagine my college experience without it.”