Research Days slam winner highlights role of cortisol in health

April 11, 2026 - 06:35

A Nebraska psychology student has taken top honors at a major university research competition by challenging common perceptions of a key stress hormone. Max Lottes won the 2026 Student Research Days Slam with a dynamic presentation that reframed cortisol's role in human health.

Lottes' winning presentation argued against simply labeling cortisol as harmful, instead detailing its essential functions. He emphasized that the hormone is crucial for metabolism regulation, reducing inflammation, and formulating the body's memory. The research suggests that problems arise not from cortisol itself, but from chronic imbalances and dysregulation of its natural cycle.

The victory highlights the tenth anniversary of the annual Student Research Days event, a decade-long tradition dedicated to spotlighting investigative work from both graduate and undergraduate scholars across disciplines. The "slam" format requires participants to distill complex research into concise, compelling presentations for a broad audience.

Lottes' work underscores a shifting scientific perspective, moving from viewing cortisol as a mere marker of stress to understanding its integral part in maintaining daily physiological balance and long-term well-being. His success demonstrates the event's ongoing mission to translate sophisticated academic research into accessible public knowledge.