Gatton Ph.D student receives prestigious award

Hannah Oakes, Ph.D. student in the laboratory of Dr. Brooks Pond, recently received a prestigious American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE) Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowship. This highly competitive fellowship includes $10,000 per year to be utilized toward research and educational costs. As part of the application process, Hannah submitted a research proposal, as well as a CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The review panel selected recipients based on the novelty, relevance, and feasibility of their proposed research, their academic achievement, their leadership skills and experience, their publication record, and their communication skills.

Some information about the award:

The primary goal of the AFPE Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowship program is to positively impact patient and public health by supporting high performing students who possess the skill and aptitude to become outstanding scientists and leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and the government/nonprofit sectors.

The awards are given to individuals who, in the judgment of the scientific review panel, have met the following criteria:
• Demonstrate superior academic achievement and a have high overall ranking within their department
• Have exceptional basic science knowledge
• Show high potential and commitment to becoming outstanding pharmaceutical scientists
• Display strong leadership
• Have prior research experience
• Demonstrate strong laboratory skills relevant to their discipline
• Display honorable personal character and ethics
• Exhibit strong interpersonal and collaborative skills
• Have strong written and oral communication skills
• Have submitted a compelling, novel, relevant and feasible research proposal that advances science and ultimately improves patient and public health