Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Michigan State University
2215 Biomedical Physical Sciences East Lansing, MI 48824-4320
P: 517-884-5292
F: 517-353-8957
Nominations and applications for the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department Student Awards are solicited in Spring term each year. Awardees are honored at the annual Departmental Award Reception in Fall term, or, in the case of the Gerhardt and Sayer Awards, at Graduation Commencement (and at a departmental seminar just prior to graduation). Recipients are recognized by permanent plaques posted outside the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department Main Office and a monetary prize.
The Gloss Award is supported by Karen and David Gloss of Clare, MI. The Award is made to support and promote undergraduate research projects such as that completed by Dr. Lisa Gloss, their daughter (now an Associate Professor at Washington State University), when Lisa was an undergraduate student in the Department. The Gloss Award provides an undergraduate research stipend for a summer project and two semesters of research in the lab of the student's choice. The Award is made to a Microbiology and Molecular Genetics undergraduate, usually at the end of her/his second year, and the award is based on both academic excellence and the potential of the planned research program.
The Sayer Award honors Dr. William S. Sayer, a former Department faculty member from 1906 to 1909. It was first given in 1910, and it is presented annually to a graduating senior in recognition of academic excellence and "outstanding work in microbiology."
The DuVall Awards were endowed by Russell B. DuVall and Dr. Dorothy DuVall to benefit worthy and capable students in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department. Russell DuVall was a chemist who worked at Dow Chemical Co. and developed an interest, late in life, in both microbiology and in MSU. Dorothy DuVall, his sister, was a physician in the Midland area. Both DuValls lived in Mason, MI after their retirement. Generally two DuVall Awards are given annually to graduate students and to undergraduate students. Recipients are selected on the basis of professional goals, research initiative and financial need.
The Gerhardt Award is awarded by the Department with support from Philipp and Vera M. Gerhardt. Philipp Gerhardt is a former chairperson of the Department, former President of both the American Society of Microbiology and the International Union of Microbiological Societies, and a distinguished teacher, administrator, and research scientist. The Gerhardt Award is given annually to a graduating senior in recognition of outstanding undergraduate research accomplishments. The Gerhardt Fund also supports travel of graduate and undergraduate students to meetings, especially to students who are presenting papers at the American Society of Microbiology Annual Meeting.
The Hsiung-Kimball Award was endowed by Dr. G. D. (Edith) Hsiung in honor of her close friend, Dr. Margaret Kimball and the Kimball family. Dr. Hsiung received her Ph.D. in the Department with Dr. H. J. Stafseth, and she went on to a world-renowned career in clinical virology at the New Haven VA Hospital and Yale University. Dr. Kimball's family hosted Dr. Hsiung during her graduate career, and the two became close friends. Dr. Kimball subsequently received the D.V.M. degree and has now retired from her veterinary practice in DeWitt, MI. The Hsiung-Kimball Award is given annually to one graduate or undergraduate student "on the basis of academic excellence and potential to succeed in their chosen field." Preference is given, when possible, to a student whose academic interests are in either clinical virology or bacteriology.
The Frank Peabody Microbiology Student Research Fund has been endowed by Mark and Sandy Ehlert to support undergraduate or graduate research. The Fund supports awards to enhance the attractiveness of graduate stipends and/or provide research grants to encourage undergraduate participation in individualized research projects. Typically one student will receive the award per year. The Peabody Award recognizes the late Dr. Frank Peabody, a long time faculty member and former Director of Undergraduate Studies in the department. Mr. Ehlert, a graduate of the department ('75) and now a leader in the pharmaceutical and medical products industry, recalls with gratitude the opportunities he had to participate in research projects during his undergraduate career here at MSU and, especially, the mentoring he received from Dr. Peabody.
The Chelm Award is given in honor of Dr. Barry Chelm, a former joint faculty member in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and the MSU-DOE Plant Research Lab. The Award is presented jointly by Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and the Plant Research Lab to a graduate student, preferably one with interests in plant-microbe interactions. It is generally awarded on the occasion of a special Chelm Seminar, rather than as outlined above for the regular Microbiology and Molecular Genetics awards.
The Rudolph Hugh Fellowship is endowed by Dr. Hugh, who is an undergraduate alumnus of our department and a former Microbiology faculty member at George Washington University. The recipient will focus in the area of molecular pathogenesis of bacteria or their systematics.
The Marvis A. Richardson Endowed Fellowhip Fund in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics is a supplemental graduate fellowship fund with special emphasis on students - especially women - with interests in immunology. Dr. Richardson, who retired in 1972, is an Emeritus Professor in the department.
The Ronald M. and Sharon Rogowski Fellowship for Food Safety and Toxicology is a graduate fellowship that includes special emphasis on training in the food safety area.
The Velicer Award is funded by contributions made in memory of our late colleague, Lee Velicer–an authority on the molecular biology of viruses causing avian cancers. The Award is presented to a worthy new student just enrolling in our graduate program.
The Wentworth Fellowship is supported by Dr. Berttina B. Wentworth and her husband Earl L. Helmers. Dr. Wentworth is retired from a distinguished career as a medical microbiologist at the Michigan Department of Public Health with an adjunct appointment as an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics. The Wentworth Fellowship is given annually to one graduate student pursing a graduate research program in medical microbiology, immunology or virology.
