Anna L. Reynolds
Department(s)
Bachelor of Science (BS), Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology, Bachelor of Science (BS), Natural Science, Bachelor of Technology (BT), Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Science and MathematicsCredentials
Master of Science in Biology, Charleston Southern University, 2026
Completed degree requirements in August 2026. Research focused on repurposing antiparasitic medications for colorectal cancer therapy, including evaluating drug combinations and their effects on cancer cell viability.
Bachelor of Science in Biology: PreProfessional Emphasis
Graduated summa cum laude in December 2025.
Current Biomedical Sciences PhD student at the University of South Carolina Floyd School of Medicine.
Additional Technical Training
Completed intensive U.S. Navy training in nuclear propulsion and mechanical systems, with an emphasis on technical problem solving, procedural accuracy, and safe operations.
About Anna L. Reynolds
Anna Reynolds is an Instructor of Biology at Charleston Southern University, where she teaches undergraduate biology courses and mentors students in laboratory research. She earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree summa cum laude and completed her Master of Science in Biology at 51黑料.
Her research focuses on repurposing antiparasitic medications to investigate their potential applications in cancer therapy and immune regulation. She leads a project examining the effects of these drugs on colorectal cancer cells, with an emphasis on combination treatments and the cellular mechanisms underlying their activity. She also collaborates with researchers at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine where she is currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Sciences on studies of mast cell biology and immune responses.
Before entering academia, Reynolds served as an emergency medical technician and a nuclear machinist鈥檚 mate in the United States Navy. These experiences shaped her commitment to service, scientific inquiry, and practical problem solving. As an educator, she strives to make complex biological concepts accessible and help students develop confidence in their abilities as learners and scientists. Her Christian faith informs her approach to teaching, mentorship, and service. Outside the classroom and laboratory, she enjoys playing the flute, creating art, and serving her church and community.
"I go the extra mile by helping students build confidence alongside knowledge. Whether through finding a new way to explain a difficult concept or guiding their first research experiment, I want each student to feel supported, challenged, and capable of contributing something meaningful."
Awards
Honorable Mention, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), 2026 - Recognized for research presented at the ASBMB annual meeting.
Summa Cum Laude, Bachelor of Science, 2025.
Signature Experiences
Undergraduate Research and Cancer Biology
Lead a research project at Charleston Southern University investigating repurposed antiparasitic medications as potential colorectal cancer treatments. This work examines individual and combined drug effects on cancer and normal cells, with ongoing studies of the mechanisms underlying treatment responses. Mentor student researchers in experimental design, laboratory techniques, and data interpretation.
Collaborative Immunology Research
Collaborate with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine on projects involving mast cell biology and immune regulation. Contributions include human skin tissue processing and mast cell isolation, histochemical staining of mouse tissue, and microscopy-based analysis of clinical research specimens.
Scientific Writing and Communication
Serve as first author and co-corresponding author on an invited review for Pharmacology & Therapeutics examining the immune-modulating effects of antiparasitic drugs and barriers to their clinical translation. Presented colorectal cancer research at the 2026 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting, receiving an Honorable Mention.
Service and Leadership
Previous experience as an emergency medical technician and U.S. Navy nuclear machinist鈥檚 mate strengthened my skills in teamwork, leadership, and technical problem solving. Continue to serve through church prayer and homeless outreach ministries, reflecting a commitment to supporting others in both academic and community settings.
Recent Scholarly Work & Publications
Antiparasitic Drugs as Context-Dependent Immune Modulators: Mechanistic Evidence and Translational Barriers
First author and co-corresponding author of an invited review for Pharmacology & Therapeutics examining the immune-modulating effects of antiparasitic medications. The review addresses their effects on immune signaling and cellular responses, potential therapeutic applications, and challenges to clinical translation.
Repurposing Ivermectin, Mebendazole, and Albendazole: Evidence for Selective and
Synergistic Anticancer Activity in Colorectal Carcinoma Cells
Presented research on repurposed antiparasitic medications in colorectal cancer at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The work evaluated ivermectin, mebendazole, and albendazole, including their effects on cell viability and drug combination responses. The associated conference abstract was published, and the presentation received an Honorable Mention.
Turning Swab-Collected Mast Cells into Biomarkers of Polyposis for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer: A first-in-Human Pilot Study.
Work done on a clinical trial evaluating a new potential testing mechanism for colon polyps.
Ongoing Research
Lead ongoing studies at Charleston Southern University investigating antiparasitic drug combinations in colorectal cancer cells and normal colon cells. Current work focuses on treatment selectivity and the molecular pathways underlying effects on cancer cell growth and migration. Also contribute to collaborative research at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine involving mast cell biology and microscopy-based analysis of clinical specimens.