This article was originally published in Advancements Magazine Winter 2022 issue.
Nhi Le is closer to reaching her goal of becoming a researcher in the biology field, thanks to a Missouri State University Foundation scholarship.
She was the first recipient of the Meredith Family CNAS (College of Natural and Applied Sciences) Scholarship.
Le completed her bachelor’s degree in biology at Missouri State in May 2022. As an undergraduate, she worked as a student researcher and was named the 2022 MSU Student Employee of the Year. Le, who was born and grew up in Vietnam, is now pursuing a master’s degree in biology at MSU.
“This scholarship helped reduce my financial burden and enabled me to focus on my academic and research work,” Le said. “I was able to invest extra time and effort in my research project, and thus gained valuable experiences that will benefit my future career.”
Le’s project involved studying the interaction between a nanoparticle called quantum dots and budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. She explains that quantum dots can emit a wide range of bright and stable fluorescence. As such, they have many potential applications, including biomedical applications (cell tracking, disease detection) and industrial applications (electronic devices, solar cells).
“Few studies have focused on the interaction between yeast and quantum dots,” Le said. “This presents a knowledge gap in the field. It needs to be addressed for a more rounded understanding of this nanoparticle.”
Le’s scholarship was set up by Dr. Jason Meredith, a 2006 alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and his wife, Diana. He was a first-generation college student. The couple wanted to help deserving students focus on their academics and relieve their financial stress. They both grew up valuing the importance of education and the desire to attend university. But they knew they had to bear the costs and earn scholarships to pay for a degree.
“As we’re in a position now to dictate where our disposable income goes, we wanted to pay it forward, and assist students who reflected our young adult selves,” said Jason Meredith.
The couple had a chance to meet Le and find out more about her career goals and aspirations. “We believe she’s going to make advances in the scientific world and improve the lives of others,” Meredith said.
“This investment will yield great rewards not only for Le, but also everyone she touches.” For Le, a first-generation college student herself, it’s an honor to be the first of many Bears who will benefit from this scholarship.
“The generosity of donors like the Merediths makes a true impact,” she said. “Their gift is a motivation to better myself and continue learning.”
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