Three Coastal Carolina University juniors have been selected as Swain Scholars for 2021-2022. Adam Bretton and Trinity Ghering have been named Kenneth E. Swain Scholars and McKinley Chapman has been named a Jewel Clemmons Swain Scholar. As Swain Scholars, these students will plan and implement community outreach and research projects designed to improve the quality of life of Horry County residents.

Bretton is a psychology major from New York City. He started working at Lighthouse Behavioral Hospital as a mental health technician shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began. During the height of the pandemic, he worked tirelessly to better the wellbeing of those in need. With a particular interest in cognition and behavior, he studies such processes in pigeons as a research assistant with Matthew S. Murphy, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at CCU. Bretton has made the president’s list, is a member of the Doctors of Coastal club, and serves as a tutor in the psychology department. He plans to attend medical school, with hopes of working in an underserved area to help reduce the significant shortage of health care providers.

Ghering, from Conway, S.C., is a biochemistry major with minors in art history and biology. She is a member of CCU’s Honors program, a member of Tribeta Honor Society, and a chemistry laboratory assistant. Ghering, who joined the Army right after high school, serves in the U.S. Army Reserve. She is passionate about reforming the limited access and expense of women’s health services in the community. She plans to attend graduate school and then work in obstetrics and gynecology.

Chapman is an exercise and sport science major from Mechanicsville, Va. She is involved in Greek life, and is a member of the exercise and sport science club, volleyball club, and surf club. She also participates in a research study with one of her professors. Chapman plans to attend medical school and become a travel doctor.

Swain Scholars are selected from top undergraduate students in CCU’s psychology, sociology, public health, biochemistry, biology, exercise and sport science, and chemistry programs. The students receive scholarships up to $5,000 per year for a total of four semesters. The program was established in 2009 by Kenneth E. Swain, a former Myrtle Beach pharmacist who passed away in January 2021.

The below video is about senior Swain Scholars who are examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate partner violence.