Isaac Nzuki Honored by the University of Kansas Office for Diversity in Science Training

2013 Nov 7

The University of Kansas Office for Diversity in Science Training hosted its seventh annual Fall Reception, which honors students and faculty mentors at KU and Haskell Indian Nations University participating in 2013-2014 programs funded by the National Institutes of Health to encourage underserved students to pursue careers in biomedical science. Among those honored was Isaac Nzuki.

Nzuki has a bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral science from KU. Nzuki is part of PREP working with Pam Neidert, assistant professor of applied behavioral science.

The reception took place at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, in the Bruckmiller Room of the Adams Alumni Center. All KU faculty and staff were invited to attend to support the participants and mentors of these programs.

The director of KU's Office for Diversity in Science Training, James Orr, recognized 50 students who are returning and newly selected participants in five NIH-supported programs at KU and Haskell: Bridges to the Baccalaureate, Initiative for Maximizing Student Development, Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award, Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program and Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement.

Estela Gavosto, associate director of the Office for Diversity in Science Training, announced the 2013 faculty mentor of the year, Teruna Siahaan from the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. The mentor of the year is nominated by ODST students who worked in a research lab under the mentorship of the faculty member. This award was established in 2006 to recognize exceptional faculty mentors who engage students in research in their labs and make the success of these training programs possible.