The Department of Biological Sciences had three graduate students receive fellowships for 2022-2023.

Claudia Rodriguez, PhD student in Dr. De la Cova’s lab, received the Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) Fellowship. The AOP Fellowship is a renewable award aiming to recognize strong academic achievement and increase participation of underrepresented racial/ethnic minority students. The award includes an academic-year stipend; tuition remission; health benefits; and a $1,000 travel award. Upon receiving the reward, Rodriguez states, “This award means more time to do research and write my dissertation, as well as pursuing my hobbies like volunteering and martial arts.”

Olivia Feagles, PhD student in Dr. Hobel’s lab, and Chandika Rani Ganesh Babu, PhD student in Dr. Latch’s lab, both received the Graduate Student Excellence Fellowship (GSEF). The GSEF is awarded based on program faculty nomination and donor wishes. Upon receiving recognition Feagles stated, “I am grateful for this personal acknowledgement as it shows the University’s support. It has allowed me to focus on research, which will help me continue into academia after graduation.” Chandika R. G. states, “this award comes at an encouraging point, especially because I am in the early phase of my degree. Any support helps in getting to know the field better. I will be using part of this fellowship to present one of my GIS projects at a conference in Spokane this November.”

Congratulations Claudia, Olivia, and Chandika on these exciting and well deserved award!