Hamby, Knight join MC biological sciences faculty

Elizabeth Knight, left, instructor of biology, and Madison Hamby, assistant professor of biology, have joined the MC Department of Biological Sciences faculty.

Madison Hamby, an MC alum who recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Elizabeth Knight, an MC alum and adjunct faculty member with two decades of teaching experience in biology, have joined the Department of Biological Sciences faculty at Mississippi Christian University. Hamby will serve as an assistant professor of biology, while Knight will serve as an instructor of biology.

Beth Barlow, MC professor and chair of biological sciences, said Hamby and Knight will be valuable additions to the department.

“We are excited for Dr. Madison Hamby to join our department,” Barlow said. “She brings new knowledge to our department, but she also brings excitement and enthusiasm. She loves students and looks forward to working with them.

“I have known Elizabeth Knight since she was an undergraduate majoring in biology education – I served as her advisor. I knew Elizabeth was going to be a great teacher. She has a passion for teaching and for students. MC is very fortunate to have her as an instructor in the Biology Department.”

Barlow said Hamby will teach courses in the Medical Science program, while Knight will serve as freshman lab coordinator and teach anatomy and physiology.

Hamby obtained her B.S. in biomedical sciences and her M.S. in biomedical sciences from MC before earning her Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Recipient of the 2024 Endocrine and Metabolism Section Research Recognition Award from the American Physiological Society and the 2025 Mississippi Academy of Sciences Graduate Scholar Award, she has authored or co-authored six articles in peer-reviewed professional publications and three scientific abstracts.

While at UMMC, Hamby gave more than a dozen presentations at scientific meetings, including the 2025 Mississippi Academy of Sciences symposium. President of the UMMC Graduate Student Body in 2023-24, she is an active member of the American Physiological Society’s Water and Electrolyte Section.

Knight earned her B.S. in biology and her M.S. in biological sciences from MC. A member of Richland High School’s staff since 2006, she has served as an instructional coach while teaching AP biology, environmental science, zoology, human anatomy and physiology, and many other classes. She has served as chair of the Science Department, National Honor Society sponsor, Beta Club sponsor and Academic Team coach, and was selected as a STAR Teacher three times and Teacher of the Year for 2010-11.

An adjunct faculty member at MC since 2024, Knight serves as an online adjunct instructor at Holmes Community College and a Mississippi Baptist All-State Youth Choir and Orchestra event coordinator for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board. She has also served as an adjunct instructor in the Biology Department at Hinds Community College.