News from The Mahurin Honors College

Emma Bunch, a Glasgow, Kentucky native and alumna of Glasgow High School, began her university journey at Harvard University. However, the academic tensions and student unrest during the 2023-2024 year led her to make a life-changing decision: she transferred to Western Kentucky University (WKU), closer to the community and family she cherishes. "I really learned from the experience just how much my state and my hometown meant to me," Emma shares. "You always know the importance of family and your community, but being away made it that much clearer."

Emma’s roots run deep in Kentucky. Her mother graduated from WKU in 2000, and Emma’s decision to return home wasn't just about comfort—it was about opportunity. She had initially set her sights on becoming a physician-scientist, but her passion for mathematics, and the experience of taking advanced calculus courses through Stanford University Level Online (ULO), shifted her trajectory.

It was through her research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, membership of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Leadership Society, and involvement with the Harvard Innovation Labs that the seeds for her current startup were planted. Inspired by her experiences, she began developing a software solution aimed at healthcare providers, with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes by keeping providers up-to-date on the latest research and treatments. "I went to the Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development website to see if there were any incubators for people starting companies, and that's when I found the WKU Innovation Campus," she recalls. Now, she has a collaborative space there, working to turn her vision into reality.

Her startup is far from her first brush with innovation. In 2021, Emma won the Congressional App Challenge for Kentucky's 2nd district with an app, Cure, designed to connect cancer patients with healthcare providers. The app provided patients with treatment information, explanations of medical terminology, and insights from interviews with both specialists and cancer survivors.

Despite this early success, Emma continues to teach herself coding and software development, working toward incorporating her startup by her graduation date in December 2025. And her academic journey is still unfolding. She plans to join WKU’s JUMP program in Spring 2025 to complete a master’s degree in mathematics, a subject she represents as a Mathematics Ambassador. "I love people. I'm an extrovert. I love hearing people’s stories, helping out, and being a voice for the math department—just like they welcomed me as a transfer student."

In addition to her ambassador role, Emma serves as a chemistry teaching assistant, where she has found a love for teaching, and is active in her Glasgow church, Bethel Baptist, where her uncle is the pastor. She provides musical accompaniment during services and continues to stay involved in her community.

One challenge Emma faces is finding research and partnership support, a hurdle often seen in smaller cities. "There aren’t as many peers or connections for research as in larger metropolitan areas," she notes, but she remains optimistic. "My experience with the WKU Innovation Campus has been positive, and as Bowling Green grows, especially with tech companies coming in, there’s more demand for local talent."

While her current focus is healthcare, Emma is also a forward thinker, exploring the potential of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum computing. Her honors thesis, guided by Dr. Molly Dunkum and Dr. Tilak Bhattacharya of the Mathematics department, explores the relationship among topological invariants, linear fractional transformations (specifically Möbius transformations), various algebras, and quantum system stability. "Even just studying the math behind it can lead to greater knowledge," Emma explains. She envisions the results from her thesis being applied in areas such as designer drug development. "Quantum computers are being used to model biological processes at a molecular level, which can change how we approach drug design."

Though her startup and mathematical research take up much of her time, Emma hasn’t ruled out the possibility of pursuing a PhD or an MD. "I'm still considering everything at this point. Being back home has helped me settle down and take stock of my options. The MCAT prep books are still there."

Emma’s interest in mathematics and coding began early, having participated in the CELTIC Academy for gifted and talented students, where she first learned coding in third grade. "That’s where my love for math and software really started," she says, fondly recalling trips with her parents to Bowling Green’s Barnes & Noble, where she would browse for math workbooks.

As Emma looks toward the future, she’s filled with gratitude for the opportunities WKU has provided. "Thank you to all the people at Western," she says. "Everyone has been so kind and welcoming, and I’m so thankful for the research and academic opportunities I've had here."

Emma Bunch’s journey is one of discovery—of finding her place, her passion, and her purpose, all while staying rooted in the Kentucky community that means so much to her.