Good news biology and chemistry undergraduate majors: Buffalo State College was one of 15 institutions that received the Merck Company Foundation and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Undergraduate Research Program Award last year.

The Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science research program is an annual, national competitive awards program that provides up to $60,000 over a three- year period for the biology and chemistry departments of each winning institution. Buffalo State is on its first of the three years. The grant supports undergraduate research scholars.

In order to qualify for the award students must have an adequate background in either the chemistry or biology field. Up to four students will receive $3000 stipends from Buffalo State.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Provide biology and chemistry students hands on experience.
• Allow the students to improve their education through research.
• Encourage students to pursue graduate education in chemistry and biology .
• Promote undergraduate programs and activities that connect chemistry and biology.

“The idea is to get biologists to recognize chemistry and chemist to recognize biology,” said Dr. Hadar Isseroff of Buffalo State's chemistry department and Merck/AAAS Program coordinator. “It is also for them to recognize the tools we available.”

There are several other benefits to receiving the award, in addition to the $3,000 stipend. According to the application for the award the Merck/AAAS Program gives the students confidence in their abilities. The program also allows the students to apply their scientific skills to real life situations. The students receiving the award will obtain scientific training as well as career guidance from faculty mentors like:

• Dr. Amy McMillan
• Dr. Alexander Nazarenko
• Dr. Gregory Wadsworth
• Dr. Kim Bagley
• Dr. Thomas White

The students will also be able to develop a mentoring relationship with faculty members.

So far the program seems to be very successful. “I acquired many valuable skills,” said Kristy Atkinson, a former Merck Scholar.

Dr. Isseroff said that the Merck/AAAS award is not well advertised. The program is only expecting approximately 10- 15 applicants this year.

For students interested in applying for the Merck/AAAS award next year:

• See Dr. Isseroff in the Science Building, Room 361A
• Completed applications are due March 26
• Successful applicants will be notified by May 1

www.aaas.org/

Email: MrDainty1225@aol.com