Leading Through Research with College of Science Senior Chris Pinckard

Chris Pinckard, a senior at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry, has crafted the ultimate college experience through hands-on research, student leadership, and meaningful campus involvement.

Pinckard’s passion for biology is closely tied to his extensive research background. While in high school, he participated in a summer program at HudsonAlpha, where he met Dr. Paul Wolf. “After that summer experience, I decided to come to UAH and take advantage of the immense research opportunities.”

As UAH offers undergraduates the opportunity to take part in research throughout their academic career, Pinckard began conducting research as a freshman when he worked as an intern at CHONEX, Inc., a small agricultural biotechnology company. “I learned a lot about microbiology, experiment design and got to see how industry research differed from academic research,” he says. 

Over the course of his academic journey, his research interests have grown beyond traditional laboratory settings.“This summer, I started an independent research project along with my friend Erin at Northeastern University,” Pinckard says. “We are focusing on the changes that cells undergo in spaceflight. The structures used to create the scaffolding in our cells (cytoskeletons) don’t adapt well to microgravity.”

Pinckard’s most recent research was working with Dr. Ahmed Lawan. “His project is focused on the MAPK pathway connection to fatty liver disease, obesity, and diabetes. The lab is investigating possible treatments for these diseases through in vivo mouse models,” explains Pinckard. 

UAH biology major and SGA President Chris Pinckard is pictured with University of Alabama SGA President Lucy Bonhaus and University of Alabama at Birmingham SGA President Saad Khan at the first-ever UA System Student Leaders Summit.

In addition to balancing academics and research, Pinckard plays a major leadership role on campus as Student Government Association President. 

“I started my journey in SGA during my freshman year, where I was a College of Science Senator,” he shares. 

Now serving as President, he represents student interests and oversees initiatives aimed at improving campus life, from food pantry expansions to WiFi access and seating availability. One of his most significant responsibilities involves serving on The University of Alabama System President Search Committee. “I am the only student on this committee, so it is very important to me that I represent all of our students well.”

In December 2025, Pinckard helped lead UAH’s participation in the first-ever UA System Student Leaders Summit, a collaborative event bringing together SGAs from across the University of Alabama System. Through initiatives like this, he works to strengthen advocacy not only for UAH students but also for the more than 70,000 students across the UA System.

Beyond SGA, Pinckard has served as a Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) leader, where he works with general chemistry students.He says the experience has been incredibly rewarding, and has given him valuable skills in patience and collaboration.

Pinckard says his academic journey evolved over time, as his interests shifted from agricultural research to medicine and disease-focused studies. “Many of my early projects were related to soil microbiomes or changes in plant cells.”

Reflecting on the educators and advisors who shaped his academic journey, Pinckard expressed deep gratitude for the support system at UAH. "Most of my professors and mentors have been amazing," he says, specifically noting the academic influence of Dr. Ahmed Lawan, Dr. Pam Twigg, and Dr. Roy Magnuson, all faculty in the College of Science. "To be very honest, all of the professors in the Biology and Chemistry departments have been amazing mentors. I can see the passion they have for both research and teaching, which really inspires me to continue in graduate school."

Pinckard’s growth also stems from being a campus leader, where he found vital guidance from Megan Wilkinson, Director of Student Life, and Dr. Ronnie Hebert, Dean of Students. He credited Wilkinson as an "amazing resource for professional development" and highlighted Dr. Hebert's work with the student government.

Currently, Pinckard is working on his graduate school applications, and plans to pursue a PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology. “My ultimate goal is to work either for a biomedical company or a university where I can research treatments for genetic disorders.” His focus on advanced research reflects the same dedication and curiosity he has demonstrated throughout his career at UAH.

To students interested in getting involved with SGA or stepping into campus leadership roles, Pinckard emphasized the importance of connection and authenticity. “The best way to be involved on campus is to get to know people. Almost everyone I know on campus is actively involved in a club on campus,” he says. “Another big thing is to be genuine and be honest when you mess up. Those two things are really important to make an actual connection in the campus community. I would not be SGA President unless I was able to make real connections with people.” 

By combining undergraduate research with meaningful student leadership, Chris Pinckard exemplifies how students can shape both their educational experience and the broader campus community.