MSU Grad Student Earns $84,000 Grant

STARKVILLE, Miss.–A Mississippi State biological sciences doctoral student is among 105 around the nation sharing an $8.6 million Science to Achieve Results fellowship.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that Sara Shields-Menard of Thibodaux, Louisiana, will receive a total of $84,000. The two-year grant covers her tuition, travel and a stipend to support her dissertation research.

Her research focusses on characterizing a bacterium as oleaginous (lipid accumulating) and investigating the various carbon sources that it can use to accumulate those lipids.

“I work with Dr. (Janet) Donaldson in biological sciences and Dr. (Todd) French in chemical engineering,” Shields-Menard said, adding that her investigation “is part of the lab group’s effort to convert waste sources such as lignocellulosic biomass or waste water into alternative fuels” such as biodiesel.

The EPA fellowships honor individuals involved in research ranging from climate change to public health to water quality, chemical safety and sustainability. This year’s awards specifically support studies that help mitigate impacts of climate change on plant communities.

In expressing appreciation for her selection, Shields-Menard said it is “an honor to have the EPA acknowledge the merit of this research project and it gives me the opportunity to focus solely on completing my graduate work.”

Since its creation in 1995, the federal agency has awarded nearly 1,900 fellowships totaling approximately $65 million. For more, visit www.epa.gov/ncer/fellowships.

“Through this support, EPA is ensuring that the United States will have the scientific knowledge to meet future environmental challenges, which will strengthen our nation’s economy and security, while better protecting our health and environment in addition to combating climate change,” said Lek Kadeli, acting assistant administrator for the agency’s Office of Research and Development.

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