Oglethorpe senior Keenyn Bradley ’25, a biology major on the pre-medicine track, is making waves in the scientific community—bringing national recognition to both his research and the university. This past month, Bradley showcased his academic excellence through prestigious conference presentations and an award-winning research project, proving what it means to be an Oglethorpe student both on and off campus.
On Feb. 8, Bradley earned second place in the undergraduate category at the 24th annual Meharry-Vanderbilt-Tennessee Cancer Partnership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. He presented his research on healthcare disparities in HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer—work he conducted during the summer of 2024 in the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance Summer Research Program under the mentorship of Dr. Dana Marshall. His research explores the molecular mechanisms driving racial differences in cancer outcomes, shedding light on how medically marginalized communities face worse prognoses and higher mortality rates.
“The research I presented at both conferences underscores the broader issue that healthcare disparities in medically marginalized communities contribute to worse prognoses and higher mortality rates in diseases like cancer,” Bradley explained. “Given the complexity of the molecular mechanisms governing the roles of matrix metallopeptidases—enzymes associated with many cancers—understanding this enzyme family may provide critical insights into the biological factors driving racial differences in oropharyngeal cancer outcomes.”
His achievements didn’t stop there. Just weeks prior, Bradley was selected as one of only 227 students nationwide to present his work at Harvard University’s National Collegiate Research Conference from Jan. 24-26 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Both experiences allowed him to connect with leading researchers, peers, and medical professionals, relationships he hopes to maintain as he continues his journey toward a career in medicine.
Despite his demanding research and travel schedule, Bradley remains a dedicated mentor and campus leader. On Feb. 15, he participated in a STEM panel for JEO Scholarship Weekend, where he shared his experiences with prospective students and highlighted the unwavering support he has received from Oglethorpe faculty in pursuing his medical ambitions.
As a Supplemental Instruction leader for organic chemistry, Bradley has been an inspiring role model to his peers. His faculty and mentors are eager to celebrate his success.
“Keenyn has been a fantastic mentor for my organic chemistry students,” says Dr. Gregory Gabriel, lecturer of chemistry at Oglethorpe. “I get a kick out of telling my students about his research and travels and look forward to his graduation in May. We in the sciences division all know Keenyn as a very humble person, and it’s wonderful to see him getting the recognition he deserves.”
With graduation on the horizon, Bradley’s accomplishments underscore the academic excellence and ambition that define Oglethorpe students. His contributions to cancer research and dedication to mentoring others demonstrate the impact Oglethorpe scholars can have on the world, both during their time on campus and beyond.
