UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Colin Howe, a doctoral student in biology at Penn State, and Mónica Medina, professor of biology and Howe’s adviser, have been selected to receive the James H. Gilliam, Jr. Fellowships for Advanced Study by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). This distinguished fellowship aims to foster leadership among historically excluded and underrepresented individuals in their respective fields.
Out of a pool of nearly 300 applicants, HHMI selected 50 adviser-student pairs who demonstrated exceptional leadership potential and a strong commitment to cultivating inclusive environments for all. Recipients of this esteemed fellowship are granted an annual award, which includes a stipend, training allowance, and a diversity and inclusion allowance for the adviser. Additionally, the adviser is offered comprehensive mentorship development training for an entire year.
“It feels surreal to be recognized and accepted into the Gilliam family at HHMI," said Howe. "I am thrilled to join such a prestigious community and to learn from talented, motivated and successful scientists and researchers. Support from the Gilliam [Fellowship] will allow us to continue advocating for underrepresented minorities in marine science and bring awareness to the utility of biological and environmental conservation and education.”
Howe’s research focuses on coral microbiology ranging from characterizing the diversity of coral microbial communities to using ancient DNA to understand coral microbial community composition and stability.
“We have both been excited about the coral ancient DNA project, which is a new area for my lab. Colin will now be able to focus primarily on his thesis enabling him to produce high-quality research," said Medina.
The Gilliam Fellowship is unique among pre-graduate fellowships in that it recognizes the important professional partnership between graduate student and adviser, the outstanding potential for scientific leadership of the student, and the opportunity for the adviser to be an agent for positive culture change within the scientific training environment, according to HHMI.
“Receiving this award with Dr. Medina signifies that our effort to increase the accessibility of STEM careers to underrepresented communities can make a difference and that difference has been recognized,” Howe said. “Overall, we find a lot of pride and accomplishment from stimulating curiosity and passion toward a career in marine science or STEM in general.”