Category: Biological Sciences
Preparing the next generation of scientific scholars
February 17, 2026 Written by Department of Biological Sciences
Graduate students secure prestigious fellowships and awards for research and teaching excellence
The University of Delaware’s Department of Biological Sciences celebrates a year of graduate student achievement, marked by high scientific productivity and significant investments in professional development.
From interdisciplinary federal fellowships to excellence in the classroom, these awards highlight the department’s commitment to training versatile scientists prepared for a variety of biological fields.
Fueling Professional Growth and Training
This year, 30 graduate students received the Departmental Professional Development Award. This financial support enables students to attend premier scientific conferences, participate in specialized technical training and build the professional networks necessary to lead in diverse biological fields.
Interdisciplinary Excellence: NIH-CBI Fellowships
Reflecting the increasingly collaborative nature of 21st-century research, six doctoral students were awarded training fellowships from the Delaware Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) Program.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), these prestigious fellowships provide 12 months of stipend support. The program is designed to bridge the gap between chemical and biological sciences, equipping students with the tools to navigate a landscape defined by rapid biotechnological and computational advances.
Recognizing Exceptional Teaching
Beyond the laboratory, the department continues to honor those who inspire the next generation of scientists. Matthew Smith, co-mentored by faculty members Andre Tavares and Shuo Wei, is the recipient of this year’s Excellent Graduate in Teaching Award.
Reflecting on the honor and his future in academia, Smith said, “My aspiration is to teach at the undergraduate level while conducting research. I am thankful for the TA and guest lecturing opportunities offered by the department and Dr. Tavares. These are invaluable experiences as I work toward my career goals.”
Sigma Xi Grants
Jiniya Chakradhar and S M Rakib Uz Zaman—both doctoral students in the Department of Biological Sciences—were awarded grants from Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, during the fall cycle of its Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) program. Chakradhar’s research project is titled “Functional Characterization of the Cataract-Linked RNA-Binding Proteins Celf1 and Elavl1 in Lens Development and Cataract.” Her adviser is Salil Lachke, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Biology.
Rakib Uz Zaman’s research project focuses on “Investigating the Mechanisms by Which Gremlin 1 Regulates Fibrotic Lens Disease.” His adviser is Melinda Duncan, associate vice president for research and director of the Delaware INBRE program. UD’s awardees were among 48 selected from hundreds of applications submitted nationwide, with funding ranging from $300 to $5,000.
