Congratulations to the 2021 undergraduate fellowship awardees
2021 fellowships awarded to four undergraduate students
Published May 10, 2021
The Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo is pleased to announce that Ryan Swick, Alaina Bailey, Sydney Brongo, and Emily Bouffard are each recipients of our 2021 undergraduate fellowships. The fellowships are made possible by the generous support of our donors. The awards recognize each undergraduate student's outstanding academic achievements and services at UB.
2021 Undergraduate Fellowships Awards
- Ryan Swick, (Lee lab), $1,500., McCroskey Endowment Fellow
- Alaina Bailey, (Arany lab), $1,000., Alumni Endowment Fellow
- Sydney Brongo, (Xu-Friedman lab), $1,250., Abate Endowment Fellow
- Emily Bouffard, (Krabbenhoft lab), $1,250., Miles Endowment Fellow
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Fellowships and Scholarships
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Support your research. Invest in your future.
Fellowships and scholarships in Biological Sciences help undergraduate students turn curiosity into meaningful research and academic experiences. Supported by generous alumni and friends of the department, these awards provide financial support while students work closely with faculty, gain hands-on experience and prepare for graduate school or science-focused careers.
Most awards are for declared or intended Biological Sciences majors. All eligible students are encouraged to apply.
Departmental fellowships and scholarships are more than financial support. They are designed to help students grow as scientists and stand out academically and professionally.
Students use these awards to:
- Support research during the academic year
- Focus on learning without taking on additional work hours
- Build strong relationships with faculty mentors
- Strengthen graduate and professional school applications
- Join a community of award-winning students
Most Biological Sciences fellowships and scholarships are administered through Buffalo Academic Works, UB’s centralized application portal.
What to expect
- The main application cycle opens during the fall semester
- Deadlines, eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by award
- Students may be considered for multiple awards through a single application
The Department of Biological Sciences offers several named awards that support undergraduate research, academic excellence and service. Select an award below to view full eligibility details and application requirements.
Support senior-year undergraduate research
Award overview
This fellowship supports students beginning faculty-mentored research during the first semester of their senior year. Funding allows recipients to focus on research conducted within the Department of Biological Sciences.Award details
- Typical award: $1,000–$2,000
- Recipient announced in early November
Eligibility
- First semester senior
- Declared Biological Sciences major
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
Application materials
- Resume
- Academic Advisement Report
- One-page cover letter describing goals career plans and proposed research
- One faculty letter of recommendation
Recipients must secure a research lab placement by November 15.
About the DonorThis fellowship was established by Dr. Joseph T. Abate, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University at Buffalo in 1991 and his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1995. Dr. Abate has practiced general dentistry across multiple states and currently serves as Director of Dental Affairs at the National Association of Veteran Affairs Physicians and Dentists. His support reflects a strong commitment to undergraduate education and research excellence in Biological Sciences.
Recognizing academic excellence service and financial need
Award overview
This scholarship supports high-achieving students entering their senior year who demonstrate academic excellence service and financial need.Award details
- Typical award: $1,000–$2,000
Eligibility
- First semester senior
- Declared Biological Sciences major
- Strong record of scholarship and service
- Minimum GPA of 3.2
- Demonstrated financial need
Application materials
- Resume
- Academic Advisement Report
- One-page cover letter
- One faculty letter of recommendation
About the DonorThe scholarship was established by Irving and Natalie Knobloch. Irving Knobloch earned his bachelor’s degree in 1930 and his master’s degree in 1932 in Biological Sciences from UB before completing a PhD in botany at Iowa State University in 1942. He returned to UB as a faculty member before spending more than thirty years teaching at Michigan State University. The scholarship reflects his gratitude for the assistantship that enabled him to complete his education during the Great Depression and his lifelong commitment to scientific education.
Supporting excellence with financial need
Award overview
This scholarship supports students entering their senior year who demonstrate academic excellence service and financial need.Award details
- Typical award: $1,000–$2,000
Eligibility
- First semester senior
- Declared Biological Sciences major
- Strong scholarship and service record
- Minimum GPA of 3.2
- Demonstrated financial need
Application materials
- Resume
- Academic Advisement Report
- One-page cover letter
- Financial need statement
- One faculty letter of recommendation
About the DonorSidney and Marjorie McCroskey established this endowment in 1992 to support access to high-quality scientific education. Sidney McCroskey began his studies at UB in 1936 and credited his education for his successful career in the specialty metals industry. Their gift reflects a long-standing commitment to undergraduate education in Biological Sciences.
Supporting curiosity-driven research
Award overview
This fellowship supports senior-year students pursuing independent research under faculty mentorship.Award details
- Typical award: $1,000–$1,500
- Applications open each spring
Eligibility
- First semester senior
- Declared Biological Sciences major
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
- Financial need considered
Application materials
- Resume
- Academic Advisement Report
- One-page project-focused cover letter
- Faculty approval letter
About the DonorThis fellowship was endowed by Dr. Wei-Li Lee in honor of her mentor Dr. Philip G. Miles, who taught and mentored students in the UB Department of Biological Sciences for more than fifty years. Dr. Lee completed both her MA and PhD under Dr. Miles’ supervision and now conducts biomedical research at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. The fellowship honors Dr. Miles’ legacy of mentorship and undergraduate research.
Early investment in future scientists
Award overview
This fellowship supports students early in their academic journey as they build momentum toward science and health careers.Award details
- Typical award: $1,000–$2,000
- Recipients announced in early November
Eligibility
- First semester junior
- Declared or eligible to declare Biological Sciences major
- Minimum GPA of 2.8
- Demonstrated financial need
Application materials
- Resume
- Academic Advisement Report
- One-page cover letter
- Financial need statement
- One faculty letter of recommendation
About the DonorDr. Darryl Raszl earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from UB before completing his medical training at the University of Vermont. He later served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco. This fellowship reflects his appreciation for the education and mentorship he received at UB and his commitment to supporting future scientists.
Supporting future leaders in vision science
Award overview
This award supports students preparing for careers or advanced study in vision science optometry or related fields.Award details
- Typical award: $400–$1,000
Eligibility
- Junior or senior undergraduate or MS student
- Interest in vision science or optometry
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Application materials
- Resume
- UB transcript
- Essay describing preparation for vision science or optometry
- One faculty letter of recommendation
About the DonorEstablished in 2024 by Dr. Rebecca Marinoff BS ’03, this award reflects her commitment to supporting students pursuing vision science and optometry careers and strengthening preparation in this specialized field.
Supporting graduate study in Biological Sciences
Award overview
This scholarship provides financial support to graduate students in Biological Sciences as they pursue advanced academic training and research.Award details
- Typical award: Varies
Eligibility
- Graduate student in the Department of Biological Sciences
- Enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Preference given to New York State residents
Application materials
- Materials submitted through Buffalo Academic Works
- Additional requirements may vary by application cycle
About the DonorThe scholarship was established in 2004 by Jacqueline Joan Tyson BA ’70. Her gift reflects a commitment to supporting graduate education and advancing research in the biological sciences at the University at Buffalo.
Each year, Biological Sciences students are recognized for outstanding research, scholarship and service. Their achievements reflect the strength of our undergraduate community and the impact of donor support.
Undergraduate award recipients by year:
Fall 2025 Biological Sciences Fellowship Awards
Abate Research Fellowship Award ($1500; Research performed in BIO department)
Ayush Jaiswal (Xu-Friedman Lab)Knobloch Endowment Scholarship ($1400)
Jacob LibermanMcCroskey Endowment Scholarship ($2500 each)
Carsyn Bonesteel
Siobhan LanichPhilip G. Miles Undergraduate Research Fellowship ($1200)
Vida FrimpongRaszl (Junior Fellowship; $1000 each)
Alex Friedman
Alex GrapesRebecca Marinoff Award for Vision Science Research and Optometry ($950)
Jayden LinFall 2024 Biological Sciences Fellowship Awards
Abate Research Fellowship Award (up to $1,500)
For research performed in BIO Department:
David Oughterson, $1,000. (Oliveros Lab)
Catherine Clark, $500. (C. Krabbenhoft Lab)Knobloch Endowment Scholarship ($1,500)
Krystal VealeyMcCroskey Endowment Scholarship ($2,000 each)
Madison Niespodzinski
Milton SvetanicsPhilip G. Miles Undergraduate Research Fellow ($2,300.)
Kai Chen (Xu-Friedman lab)Darryl Raszl Fellowships for Juniors ($1,400 each)
Liana Sicroff
Vida FrimpongFall 2023 Biological Sciences Fellowship Awards
Knobloch Endowment Scholarship ($1600)
Jacob BarryMcCroskey Endowment Scholarship ($1200 each)
Catherine Seidl
Daniel Johnson
Yanting Li
Maura DunganFall 2023 Junior Abate Research Fellowship Award ($1200)
Mahmud Amin (Arany Lab)Spring 2023 Philip G. Miles Undergraduate Research Fellow ($2,300.)
Ethan Tong (Yu Lab)Fall 2022 Knobloch Endowment Scholarship ($1250 each):
- Kevin Greeley
- Ryan Younger
Fall 2022 McCroskey Endowment Scholarship ($1250 each):
- Tibyan Elzain
- Nina Ezewuiro
- Aliya Hyman
- De Le
- Jason Li
- Caleb Massimi
Spring 2022- Aniket Maini, (Heppner lab), $1,500., Raszl Endowment Fellow
- Nathan Pfeffer, (Yu lab), $1,250., Abate Endowment Fellow
- Ryan Swick, (Lee lab), $1,500., McCroskey Endowment Fellow
- Alaina Bailey, (Arany lab), $1,000., Alumni Endowment Fellow
- Sydney Brongo, (Xu-Friedman lab), $1,250., Abate Endowment Fellow
- Emily Bouffard, (Krabbenhoft lab), $1,250., Miles Endowment Fellow
- Lauren Heinzinger, (Elsa Bou Ghanem lab), $1,500., McCroskey Endowment Fellow
- Sam Zheng, (Cullen lab), $1,250., McCroskey Endowment Fellow
- Antonina Bandrivska, (Ferkey lab), $1,250., McCroskey Endowment Fellow
- Brain Foote, (Krabbenhoft lab), $1,000., Knoblock Endowment Fellow
- Karrar Aljanahi, (Walker lab), $1,500., Raszl Endowment Fellow
- Umair Syed, (Gokcumen lab), $1,000., Raszl Endowment Fellow
- Omolara Adeyemi (Ferkeley lab), $1,250., Raszl Endowment Fellow
- Tierney Day, (Guanawardena lab), $2,000., McCroskey Endowment Fellow
- Hannah Zazulak, (Johnson lab), $2,000., McCroskey Endowment Fellow
- Megan Wallace, (Lindqvist lab), $1,250., Knoblock Endowment Fellow
- Katherine Eaton, (Krabbenhoft lab), $1,000., Miles Endowment Fellow
- Michaela Richter, (Albert lab), $250., Miles Endowment Fellow
- Taha Faek, (Bliss lab), $1,500, Raszl Endowment Fellow
- Oran Morton, $1,500, Raszl Endowment Fellow
- Connor Cook, (Xu-Friedman), $1,250., McCroskey Endowment Fellow, and, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2017 and 2018.
- Logan Fahrenkopf, $2,000., McCroskey Endowment Fellow, and, 2017 and 2018, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
- Amit Mehrota, (Cullen) $2,000., McCroskey Endowment Fellow, 2017.
- Kwang Jin (Moses) Chung, (Teschung Lee), $1,250., Knobloch Endowment Fellow, 2017 and 2018 awards, leading to UMD/Ph.D. program. UB Highlight: Volunteering to make a difference.
- Emily Bonacquisti, (Paul Gollnick), $1,250., Miles Fellowship, 2017 and 2018, leading to UB Pharmacy.
- Ryan Kaminski, (Dziask), $,1500., Alumni Fellow, 2017 and 2018.
- Umair Syed (2020 Razsl Fellow) currently an MD student at Jacobs School of Medicine.
- Omolara Adeyemi (2020 Razsl Fellow) currently in the PREP post-baccalaureate program at University of Michigan.
- Ryan Swick (2021 Mccroskey Fellow) currently a MS student in the Biochemistry and Cell Biology program at Stony Brook University.
- Emily Bouffard (2021 Miles Fellow) currently a MS student in Wilfrid Laurier University.
- Hannah Zazulak (2019 McCroskey Fellow) currently a MD student at the University of New England.
- Katherine Eaton (2019 Miles Fellow) currently a PhD student at Auburn University.
- Michaela Richter (2019 Miles Fellow) currently a MS student at UB Biological Sciences.
- Lulu He (2018 Miles Fellow) currently a MS student of UB pharmacy.
- Lynn Sidor (2018 McCroskey Fellow) is now a PhD student at University of Rochester
- Nana Ayoluwa (2018 Knobloch Fellow) now works at Applied Microbiota.
- Connor Cook (2017 McCroskey Fellow) is now studying at New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Logan Fahrenkopf (2017 McCroskey Fellow) now works at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
- Kwang Jin (Moses) Chung (2017 Knobloch Fellow) is now a MD/PhD student at Washington University.
- Emily Bonacquisti (2017 Miles Fellowship) is now a PhD student at UB pharmacy.
- Alexa Bracci (2016 McCroskey Fellow) is graduating with highest honors and she will be studying for her graduate degree in Cornell University, UK.
- Hannah Calkins (2016 Alumni Fellow) has received an outstanding research award for her poster presentation at the UB’s Undergraduate Research Symposium.
These fellowships exist because alumni and friends believe in access to undergraduate research and academic opportunity. Their generosity helps ensure students can pursue meaningful research experiences without financial barriers.
Fellowships and scholarships can make a real difference in your undergraduate experience. Whether you are planning for research, graduate school or a science-focused career, funding support can help you go further.
For questions about fellowships and scholarships in Biological Sciences, contact:
