Two MSU College of Natural Science students have been named 2015-16 Beckman Scholars - Sanna Fraleigh, a physiology sophomore from Ann Arbor and Kiera Fisher, a biomedical laboratory science junior from Kalkaska.
Last February, MSU was selected as a host institution for the 2014 Beckman Scholars Program. Established in 1997 by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, BSP provides scholarships that contribute significantly to advancing the education, research training and personal development of select students in chemistry, biochemistry, and the biological and medical sciences.
Fraleigh and Fisher join four others who were named Beckman Scholars last year.
“It is great working with these scholars,” said Laura McCabe, director of the MSU Beckman Scholars Program and professor of physiology and radiology. “I can see them growing scientifically. They do an amazing job presenting their research among themselves as well as at meetings, and they provide insightful comments about research projects presented at our weekly meetings.”
The goal of the MSU BSP is to provide scholars with one-on-one mentored interactions combined with an intensive interdisciplinary research experience. Each student selects an area of research and a faculty mentor. More than 11 faculty members are involved.
Fisher will pursue a specialization in bioethics, humanities and society, with her research revolving around dyslipidemia and diabetic retinopathy. Her mentor is Julia Busik, associate professor in the department of physiology.
“Since coming to Michigan State, research has become my passion in life, and I have a special interest in the research and prevention of diseases,” Fisher said. “To be given the opportunity to not only engage in my passion, but to also have the chance to change lives—this is truly the opportunity of a lifetime that I am so proud to have earned. I would not give it up for anything.”
Fraleigh’s research will focus on investigating the mechanisms of bone loss and marrow stem cell maturation in type 1 diabetic mouse models. She has selected McCabe as her mentor.
“Being a Beckman Scholar is an opportunity to communicate and learn from fellow researchers in a variety of fields, as well as build research experience,” Fraleigh said.
The scholars will attend special seminars and a variety of training sessions. All of these experiences will set them apart from other students and make them strong candidates for graduate and professional programs.
Each of the scholars receives two years of support. MSU received $156,000 in funding over three years for all of the Beckman Scholars.