COLLEGEVILLE >> U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th Dist., visited Ursinus College on July 6 to announce a National Science Foundation grant.

The grant was in the amount of $28,531 for the project, Collaborative Research, which is researching using protein function prediction to promote hypothesis-driven thinking in undergraduate biochemistry education.

Costello, a member of the STEM Caucus, had the opportunity to meet with Rebecca Roberts, an associate professor of biology, and biochemistry and molecular biology at Ursinus College, as well as several students to hear about their research projects.

Im pleased to see students in our community will benefit from a grant that will enable first-hand experiences to encourage them to think like a scientist and, in turn, explore opportunities in STEM education. This grant will also help faculty understand how students learn from these techniques, Costello said in a prepared release.

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I am aiming to provide even greater opportunities for Ursinus students to experience authentic research by bringing research into their courses. As part of a collaboration with faculty from across the country, I have helped develop a project that challenges students to discover functions for proteins of known structure but with currently unknown function. This grant from the National Science Foundation will allow us to continue to engage our students in this project and to evaluate the impact of the experience on their growth as scientists, said Roberts.

Costello recently signed a bipartisan letter to the House Appropriations Committee requesting robust, continued funding for the NSF in the upcoming 2018 Fiscal Year, and has introduced and supported several pieces of legislation to support students who choose STEM fields.

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Ursinus gets biochemistry grant from National Science foundation - The Phoenix

July 7, 2017 by Megan Bard Gang Han, PhD, associate professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology at University of Massachusetts Medical School. Credit: UMass Medical School

A team led by Gang Han, PhD, has designed a human protein-based, tumor-targeting Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast that can be easily cleared by the body. The discovery holds promise for clinical application, including early stage tumor detection because of the enhanced MRI contrast, according to Dr. Han, associate professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology at University of Massachusetts Medical School.

MRI is one of the most widely used, noninvasive and versatile imaging tools for clinical detection, staging and monitoring of malignancy, without the need for ionizing radiation or harmful radionuclides.

The most frequently employed contrast agents used in MRI are gadolinium (Gd)-based, since they do not provoke an immune response in cells. However, such compounds require high doses of intravenous administration and are retained in the body's organs.

In the search for alternative, Han and colleagues focused on proteins, which are naturally occurring nanomaterials. For example, the protein-bound nanoparticle Abraxane can be used to treat metastatic breast cancer. In the same way, protein scaffolds that encapsulate metal-based nanoparticulate contrast agents also appear to enhance the effectiveness of contrast agents.

In a paper published June 26 in Nano Letters, ACS Publications, Han and colleagues outlined how human transferrin (Tf) proteins can be used to create an MRI contrast nanoprobe by mimicking the natural process to form special nanoparticles called gadolinium biomineralized human transferrin protein-based nanoparticles or Gd@TfNP.

"The Gd@TfNPs preserve the functions of Tf very well, possess superior chemical and physical properties, and are brighter compared to the Gd-based agents currently in use," Han said, adding that the nanoparticles could also be used as tumor-targeting and systematically clearable contrast agents for MR detection of early-stage tumors.

"Such probes can immediately leave the tumor sites after delivery and we could track the overall process by MRI. Such a technique might be useful not only for visualizing tumor therapies, but for optimizing drug dose and evaluating clinical results," said Yang Zhao, MD, PhD, of the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University and the paper's first author.

Explore further: Better contrast agents based on nanoparticles

More information: Yang Zhao et al, Tumor-Targeted and Clearable Human Protein-Based MRI Nanoprobes, Nano Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b00828

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Researchers develop tumor-targeting MRI contrast based on human ... - Phys.Org

TULSA, Oklahoma -

When you think of beer, you don't usually associate it with labs, books and lots of studying,but the University of Tulsa is looking to change just that.

The school is partnering with Marshall brewing company.

TU and Marshall Brewing Company are teaming up to offer a beer brewing certificate program all in the name of science.

Jeremy Sabo is an intern at Marshall Brewing.

He received his bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from TU.

He is also helping set up a unique program at TU, a beer brewing certificate program in a partnership with Marshall Brewing.

"We'll have, basically six classes, so three of those are already offered in the chemistry and biochemistry department," Sabo said.

Sabo says his curiosity is what drives his love of science and beer.

He says the changing laws surrounding alcohol in the state got the ball rolling.

The idea was proposed by a TU professor.

"So you'll get the history, you'll get, how beer's brewed and why it's important, and all of the lab techniques that go along with quality control and quality assurance," Sabo said.

Sabo even took us over to a lab at TU, showing us some of the science behind the beer.

"There's calories, proteins, carbohydrates, and all those need to be determined and those are done through scientific instrumentation and someone needs to know how to operate those," Sabo said.

He says the great part about this program is that anyone age 21 and older can take it, giving them hands-on experience, while also creating many opportunities.

"For the breweries that are going to be expanding, to both have students and then for students that want a job, and may don't wanna go work for a big company and go work in beer," Sabo said.

That certificate program is set to begin in the spring of 2018.

Excerpt from:
University Of Tulsa Partners With Marshall Brewing Company - News On 6

Students and faculty of the chemistry and biochemistry department at Kent State are grieving the death of researcher and professor Anatoly Khitrin.

Khitrin, 62, passed away due to cancer and heart related problems earlier this week.

Calling hours for Khitrin begin Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by a service until 5 p.m. at Bissler Funeral Home in Kent.

Khitrins coworkers said it was a pleasure to work with him.

I worked with him for 15 years, and he was such a wonderful man, said Erin Michael-McLaughlin, the chemistry department program coordinator. He had a very dry sense of humor and was one of the most intelligent men I have ever met.

Songping Huang, a chemistry and biochemistry professor, said he worked very closely with Khitrin and cherished the relationship they had.

I remember he once told me this story as to why he shouldnt quit smoking, and it was very funny, Huang said. It was a spanish man decided when he was 113 to stop smoking because he was getting old, and he died two years later. This is why Anatoly wouldnt quit; He was very optimistic and funny.

Huang and Khitrin also hold two patents that Kent State is recognized for.

He was a very smart scientist, and one day I told him of this realization I had with Prussian blue pigment, Huang said. He and I tested this pigment to be used in MRIs instead of toxic metal Gadolinium, and we proved that it worked. Now we share a patent over this discovery.

Robert Twieg, a chemistry and biochemistry professor, knew Khitrin the entire time he worked for Kent State and said he was a friendly and intelligent man.

Khitrin was an expert on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Twieg said. People may argue that he was the smartest man in the chemistry department. He understood the quantum universe better than anyone employed in our department. His intelligence and kindness will be missed.

Holli Phillips is the health and wellness reporter. Contact her at hphill10@kent.edu.

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Kent State chemistry department and patent-holding professor dies - Kent Wired

Thursday, July 6th, 2017

By Mikaela Wieland

Most days, Austin Dixon can be found in the dimly lit basement of the Biochemistry Building, surrounded by expensive, high-tech equipment studying proteins for his undergraduate research project.

On other days, he can be found in a bright classroom, demonstrating how to make a rudimentary lava lamp out of Alka-Seltzer tablets to a group of loud elementary school students. In both environments, Dixon thrives because he shares his love of science with the world.

Science gives me the tools and understanding to answer questions about the world we live in, said Dixon, a senior in biochemistry from Greenwood, Indiana. It provides a platform of discovery to move the world forward.

Photo by Mikaela Wieland Austin Dixon works in the laboratory on an uncharacterized class of proteins. His love for science influences everything from his undergraduate research to his volunteer work with middle schoolers.

It isnt enough that he pursues his research goals on his own. Dixon said the next generation must be inspired to discover great things as well. He teaches in classrooms and judges science fairs. Both volunteer efforts are aimed to engage kids and spark their interest in science.

Often, science is something most kids see as dull or uninteresting, Dixon said. Doing this has allowed me to positively influence younger kids and change their perspective on science.

One of the experiments aimed to pique the middle schoolers interest is the Alka-Seltzer lava lamp.

Its a great way to teach them how something they already know about really works, he said.

The kids mix vegetable oil and water with food coloring and an Alka-Seltzer tablet. The experiment demonstrates simple concepts like density and polarity. The tablets produce carbon dioxide bubbles that are less dense than oil and rise to the top of the lamp.

The kids think its really cool to learn from college kids, Dixon said. And, they love hands-on stuff.

The Purdue Biochemistry Club isnt Dixons only outreach. He judges K-12 science projects at the Indiana Regional Science Fair Competition in West Lafayette and volunteers at the annual Celebrate Science Indiana in Indianapolis. At these events, he interacts with and teaches science to more than 1,000 kids.

Im able to interact with hundreds of young, budding scientists and discuss their projects with them, Dixon said.

Dixons outreach mission is to cultivate the next generation of scientists.

These programs are necessary to get children interested in science beyond the textbook, and open their mind to the possibility of pursuing the field in the future, he said.

Dixon knows that the kids arent the only ones benefitting from the experience.

Its rewarding to me personally because Im able to make an impact in my community and within the lives of these children, which they will remember forever, he said.

Positive memories and experiences associated with science are important, Dixon said, because he wants people to understand the benefit of scientific research and the scientific process. He also wants to erase the stigma associated with science. Dixon said that requires a dialogue with the public that needs to be more transparent and more people need to know how long and detailed of a process science is.

Part of that starts with the way he speaks about his own research. He said that he tries to make sure to explain that his work has a practical use.

You have to talk about the why, he said. People care about what the impact of the science is.

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Biochemistry major mixes science with outreach - Purdue Agricultural Communications

Thursday, July 6th, 2017

By Mikaela Wieland

Early every morning, before the sun ever comes up, Andjela Djokovics alarm clock blares.

How did that happen so fast? she often wonders. It seems like I just went to bed.

And while the senior biochemistry major from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, shakes off sleep, she knows that the long workout and even longer school day to come are worth it. Djokovic is a student-athlete who competes for the Purdue womens tennis team on a scholarship.

Photo provided by Charles Jischke Andjela Djokovic is a tennis player and biochemistry major. She says that she plays for a great tennis team while getting amazing academic training.

The only way I have enough time to do everything is to work out at 6 a.m., Djokovic said. Its really difficult, Im always tired, and theres no rhythm in my life.

Djokovic approaches her dedication to tennis in much of the same way that she approaches her homework, classes, and labs.

The challenge is fun, she said. While tennis brought her to Purdue, Djokovic said the academics kept her here.

When choosing a college, I wanted a school where I could play on a good tennis team but also get amazing academic training, Djokovic said.

Purdue checked all the boxes and even gave her a full-ride scholarship to play tennis. Djokovic said she is grateful for all the places the tennis team has taken her and excited that shes been able to combine her love for travel with her love for tennis. Shes traveled all over the United States to play in different tennis tournaments, which is one advantage Djokovic sees in being both an international student and an athlete. But while shes had the opportunity to visit places in the United States, it isnt always as a tourist.

Ive gotten to see a lot of the USA, but mostly tennis courts and hotels. Djokovic joked.

Even so, Djokovic said she enjoyed visiting iconic places like Las Vegas and Florida while getting to play the sport that she loves. But the tennis and traveling is just the beginning of Djokovics crazy, daily schedule and unique Purdue journey.

Djokovics normal day includes tennis practice, gym time, class, biochemistry labs, with days so full that she doesnt usually get home from campus to start homework or study until after 7:30 p.m.

For most people, this would be too much stress and too full of a schedule, but Djokovic said the craziness is worth it.

Theres nothing I would change, she said.

She credits the biochemistry faculty for helping her succeed as a student-athlete.

The faculty in biochemistry are amazing, Djokovic said. Most of the professors know me and ask me how my tennis is going.

Djokovic knows that her time at Purdue and her journey with the tennis team will not last forever and is deciding her next step. Djokovic chose biochemistry because of the variety of careers she can pursue. After Purdue, she plans to head back to Australia or New Zealand to continue her studies.

I really, really like biochemistry, she said. Its like knowing a secret code. When doctors give out pills, they know what is literally going to happen as it breaks down in the body. . . . Its the behind-the-scenes of everything thats going on in real life.

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Biochemistry serves strong options for tennis player - Purdue Agricultural Communications

LAHORE: The 127th meeting of Advanced Studies and Research Board of the University of Health Sciences (UHS) was held here on Thursday with Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Junaid Sarfraz Khan in the chair.

According to a press release issued here, the board considered the thesis reports of Dr Muhammad Afzal MPhil (Biochemistry), Dr Hira Sohail MPhil (Biochemistry), Dr Muhammad Sohail Nazir MPhil (Chemical Pathology), Adil Bashir, a student of MPhil (Medical Laboratory Sciences - Immunology), Hafiz Talha Qayyum MPhil (Medical Laboratory Sciences Molecular Pathology & Cytogenetics), Dr Saima Noreen MPhil (Pharmacology), Dr Gulfreen Waheed MHPE, Dr Mumtaz Ali MS (General Surgery), Dr Ishfaque Ahmad MS (Neurosurgery), Dr Mian Maqbool Hussain MS (Orthopaedics), Dr Ahmad Raza Khan MPhil (Forensic Medicine), Dr Raza Younas MHPE, Dr Shazia Tufail MHPE, Dr Deepen Maharjan MD (Internal Medicine) and Dr Adnan Sadiq Butt MS (General Surgery).

The following synopses were also considered for registration of students in various postgraduate courses: Protective effect of aqueous extract of lawsonia inermis (Henna) leaves on acetylsalicylic acid induced gastric mucosal toxicity in adult albino rats by Dr Asma Fayyaz MPhil (Anatomy), The expression of beta human chorionic gonadotrophin ( -hCG) in different grades of human urothelial carcinoma by Dr Ammara Anwar MPhil (Morbid Anatomy & Histopathology), Mean platelet volume, immature platelet fraction and beta thromboglobulin in patients of acute coronary syndrome and normal subjects by Dr Sadia Ijaz MPhil (Haematology), Flow cytometric analysis of IIb 3 integrin protein and its activating mutations in exon 10 and 11 of ITGB3 gene in Glanzmanns thrombasthenia patients by Dr Saira Gul MPhil (Haematology), Antimicrobial activity of various fractions from Aleo vera against extended spectrum beta lactamases producing gram negative rods by Dr Zoobia Nazar Dar MPhil (Microbiology), Identification of candida species and gene expression of (CgCDR1) gene in fluconazole resistant Candida glabrata as compared to sensitive strains by Muhammad Roman MPhil (MLS - Microbiology), Phenotypic identification of Candida species and relative expression of (CDR1) gene in fluconazole resistant and sensitive Candida albicans by Muneeza Anwar MPhil (MLS - Microbiology), Identification of Candida species and relative gene expression of ergosterol (ERG11)gene in fluconazole resistant and sensitive Candida tropicalis by Sahar Imtiaz MPhil (MLS - Microbiology), Serum leptin, estrogen, progesterone and mammographic density in post-menopausal women with and without carcinoma breast by Dr Nighat Parveen MPhil (Physiology), Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase and short-term mortality in ischemic stroke by Dr Farhat Rafi MPhil (Chemical Pathology), Measurement of abrasivity of newly-developed bioactive dentifrices: An invitro study by Dr Daud Anthony MPhil (Science of Dental Materials), Evaluation of monomer leaching and biocompatibility of a novel bioactive fiber reinforced dental composite by Dr Mehvish Saleem MPhil (Science of Dental Materials), Synthesis and characterisation of novel miswak fibers based dental composites by Dr Muhammad Zeeshan MPhil (Science of Dental Materials, Synthesis and characterisation of smart biodegradable polymer based fluoride containing novel injectable bioactive glass material by Dr Nadia Irshad MPhil (Science of Dental Materials), Synthesis, degradative and fluoride release behaviour of a novel fluoride containing bioactive glass by Dr Noureen Jahanzeb MPhil (Science of Dental Materials), Effect of reactive calcium phosphate and poly lysine on chemical, mechanical, adhesive and biochemistry properties of novel dental composites by Dr Saadia Bano Lone MPhil (Science of Dental Materials), Evaluation of dentine regeneration with injectable bioactive glass by Dr Sundus Iftikhar MPhil (Science of Dental Materials), Synthesis and characterisation of a novel bioactive fiber based dental resin composite by Dr Usama Siddiqui MPhil (Science of Dental Materials), Effect of reactive calcium phosphate fillers and chlorhexidine on chemical, mechanical and antibacterial properties of dental composite by Dr Zahra Shafqat MPhil (Science of Dental Materials), Assessment of chemical, mechanical and microscopic properties of novel self-adhesive dental composite by Dr Zainab Sultan MPhil (Science of Dental Materials), Exploration of the underlying causes of stress among undergraduate medical students and their coping strategies by Dr Izza Umbrin MHPE, Obstructive hydrocephalus with posterior fossa tumours: outcome comparison between ventriculoperitoneal shunt versus endoscopic third ventriculostomy by Dr Pramanand Shah MS (Neurosurgery), A comparison of trans vaginal repair of vesicovaginal fistula with and without Martius flap by Dr Habib Akbar MS (Urology) and Role of alpha-blockers, anticholinergic or combination therapy in treatment of symptoms related to double J stent by Dr Wesh Ansari MS (Urology).

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UHS considers theses, synopses - The News International

New Delhi, July 5 (IANS) The National M.Sc. Medical Teachers Association (NMMTA) on Wednesday urged the Medical Council of India (MCI) to review its notification that require the diagnostic laboratory reports to be signed by a doctor.

The NMMTA said India has shortage of specialist doctors to work in diagnostic laboratories and this deficiency can ably be compensated by the trained medical M.Sc. degree holders.

The recent letter written by the Medical Council of India (MCI) to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) regarding eligibility to sign diagnostic laboratory reports has not gone down well with the biomedical scientists possessing medical M.Sc. degree, NMMTA President Sridhar Rao said.

Currently, the document 112 of NABL provides authorised signatory roles for medical M.Sc. degree holders in the disciplines of microbiology and biochemistry.

Apparently, under the pressure from non-clinical doctors, the NABL was pressurised to exclude non-doctors from this role. The NABL sought the MCIs opinion. After a delay of nearly three years, the MCI replied that all lab reports should be signed/counter-signed by persons registered with MCI/State Medical Councils, Rao said.

He said this is in stark contrast to its previous stand.

In 2005, the members of the Ad hoc Committee appointed by the Supreme Court and of the Executive Committee of the MCI had approved the decision of the Ethics Committee that M.Sc. (Medical Biochemistry) is entitled to independently sign a medical biochemistry report in a clinical laboratory, he said.

Rao said the biomedical scientists are held in high esteem worldwide and allowed to sign reports.

The NMMTA said it would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Minister J.P. Nadda to convince them the importance of biomedical scientists in the diagnostic laboratories.

This is published unedited from the IANS feed.

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MCI urged to review stand over signing lab reports - India.com

Most college students finish their undergraduate degrees around the age of 22. But Crystal Vander Zanden isnt most students.

The 23-year-old Arizona native is leaving Colorado State University a newly minted Ph.D. in biochemistry the youngest ever from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

The soft-spoken, unassuming Vander Zanden defended her Ph.D. thesis in June, and is now packing up her apartment in Fort Collins after spending six years working toward her doctorate. In the fall, she will begin a National Institutes of Health-fundedpostdoctoral fellowshipat the University of New Mexico. There, shell conduct research on biophysical characterization of Alzheimers Disease-related protein aggregation, while also teaching courses at a local community college.

Growing up in Glendale, Arizona, Vander Zanden was home-schooled an environment in which she quickly advanced at her own pace. At age 8, she asked her mother if she could enroll in a biology course. After passing an entrance exam, Vander Zanden took her first college-level course at Glendale Community College, at the age of 9. At age 13, she graduated from Glendale High School.

She went on to Nebraskas Doane University (then Doane College), majoring in biochemistry. She was a student researcher in the lab of Assistant Professor Erin Wilson, studying the biochemical properties of protein adsorption in bone. While in college, her family mom, stepdad and younger siblings all moved to Nebraska.

Choosing CSU to pursue a Ph.D. was a no-brainer for Vander Zanden, who was 17 when she visited Fort Collins for the first time and interviewed for the graduate program. She fell in love with campus, and with the small, close-knit biochemistry department. She chose CSU over two other Ph.D. programs.

People were laid back, but still doing fantastic science, she said.

Before she turned 18, Vander Zanden began her Ph.D. under the mentorship of Professor Shing Ho. With Ho, she learned how to think as an independent scientist, to come up with her own questions, and to figure out whats interesting about the data youve just collected.

Her Ph.D. examined the mechanics and functions of a DNA marker called hydroxymethylcytosine. The marker plays an important role in DNA recombination, the process by which damaged DNA fixes itself.

Ho said when Vander Zanden first joined his lab, she was put on a project about halogen bonding. Soon after, he asked her to change focus to the new study on which she would eventually write her thesis for determining hydroxymethylcytosines role in recombination. This switch required Vander Zanden to learn techniques Hos lab was not expert in, and to create an entirely new research direction.

It took determination and real courage as a scientist to take this leap of faith, and I could not imagine any other student of her age, or any age, taking on such a challenge, Ho said.

A compassionate individual and a source of intellectual and emotional support for many, Vander Zanden has earned the respect of students, faculty and others around her, Ho said. It has been a genuine honor to have played a part in helping Crystal find her passion in science and in teaching these past six years.

During her time at CSU, Vander Zanden received a National Institutes of Health pre-doctoral fellowship, and also received the College of Natural Sciences Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award. At the time, Vander Zanden was a teaching assistant in two courses, including physical biochemistry among the most challenging of undergraduate courses for biochemistry majors.

Vander Zanden said she routinely had 10 or more students crammed into her graduate student space during office hours. And it was through these types of experiences that she discovered how much she enjoys teaching.

It was an awesome thing to teach students until they actually understood something, and they felt empowered within themselves, Vander Zanden said.

She is also not one to take education and the opportunities she has embraced lightly.

Education is one of the only means we have in our society to do better than our parents, she said. Its an amazing thing and I want to be a part of that.

When Vander Zanden first applied to the Ph.D. program at CSU, her mom came with her, because Vander Zanden was not technically an adult. Besides some minor social setbacks with being under the legal drinking age for most of her time here, being younger has not been a major factor, with her peers or her students.

Though, driving was an issue in undergrad, she recalls. I was able to drive the same year everyone in my class was able to drink.

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At the ripe age of 23, Crystal Vander Zanden is a newly minted CSU Ph.D. - Source

Photo 1: Medical University of the Americas/Nevis Island Administration Scholarship recipients Oresia Stapleton and Yolinda Liburd at the legal departments conference room July 5.

Photo 2: The Hon. Mark Brantley, deputy premier of Nevis and minister of health, interacts with the 2017 Medical University of the Americas/Nevis Island Administration Scholarship recipients Oresia Stapleton and Yolinda Liburd July 5.

Photo 3: Nicole Slack-Liburd, chair for the Medical University of the Americas/Nevis Island Administration Scholarship Committee and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, stands with scholarship awardees Oresia Stapleton and Yolinda Liburd, the Hon. Mark Brantley and committee member Shelisa Martin-Clarke July 5.

Two more Nevisian youths benefit from MUA/NIA Scholarship

From NIA

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis Oresia Stapleton and Yolinda Liburd join the list of students who benefit from the Medical University of the Americas/Nevis Island Administration (MUA/NIA) Scholarship, a facility available since 1998.

They were announced as the annual scholarships awardees for 2017 by Nicole Slack-Liburd, chairperson for the MUA/NIA Scholarship Committee and permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, on July 5.

Stapleton will be pursuing a bachelor of science degree in pre-radiologic technology at Midwestern State University in Texas.

Liburd will be pursuing a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.

The recipients spoke of what the opportunity meant to them and to thank their benefactors.

My life-long dream of attending university is finally moving forward, Stapleton said. Skilled radiographers and radiologists train in cutting-edge equipment are imperative in the continuous development in the quality of health care in our island. Benefactors like you make dreams become a reality. I am proud to say that my dreams are slowly unfolding and I am excited to begin a new career journey. Sincere thanks for enabling this opportunity. Your generosity truly makes an immeasurable difference in the advancement of my career path.

Liburd thanked God for what she described as a life-changing opportunity and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

Words cannot express how grateful I am, she said. After I have completed my tertiary education in biochemistry, I will then further with a masters in forensic science. The experiences gained will be used to benefit me and improve my development and my little island. I cannot stress how grateful I am for being granted this scholarship, which has lightened my financial burden immensely.

The Honourable Mark Brantley, deputy premier of Nevis and minister of health, commended the recipients and offered them words of advice regarding overseas studies.

I ask that you would simply have your wits about you and that you pay attention, he said. I think you are both talented enough to not only maintain a 3.0, but to do much better than that. So, I encourage both of you. I congratulate both of you.

Brantley also told Stapleton and Liburd that the scholarship is an important privilege that they should not take for granted. He urged them to work hard to make themselves, their parents and the island of Nevis proud.

Since 1998, the scholarships have stemmed from a partnership with the NIA and the MUA for the provision of up to US$22,500 per annum for study opportunities in priority areas that are the needs of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Shelisa Martin-Clarke, a committee member of the MUA/NIA Scholarship Committee, was also present at the announcement. The other members of the committee are Ornette Herbert, acting permanent secretary in human resources; Palsey Wilkin, principal education officer; Kevin Barrett, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education; Ron Daniel, youth representative; and Keisha Jones, private sector representative.

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Two more Nevisian youths benefit from MUA/NIA Scholarship - The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer