The University of Texas at Austin

The Freshman Research Initiative offers first year students the opportunity to initiate and engage in authentic research experiences in chemistry, biochemistry, nanotechnology, molecular biology, physics, astronomy and computer sciences while being supported and mentored by faculty and graduate students.

FRI Alumni Named Dean's Honored Graduates

Dean’s Honored Graduate is the highest honor awarded to graduating seniors in the College of Natural Sciences. It is restricted to fewer than one percent of the graduating class of the college during an academic year. Thirteen of the 21 recipients this year were FRI alumni. Congratulations to Aditi Raye Allen, Genevieve Allen, Shannon Anjelica Allport, Jennifer Lee Ellis, Dylan Jay Estep, Evan Koch, Steve Lu, Eileen R. Martin, George F. Miller, Melanie Frances Molina, Caitlin Ann Taylor, Matthew Tien, and Kaitlin Whelan. Read the full article and student biographies here. 

David Laude Appointed Senior Vice Provost of Enrollment and Graduation Management

Dr. David Laude has been appointed to the position of Senior Vice Provost of Enrollment and Graduation Management "as part of a strategic plan to increase four-year graduation rate." Laude, who has recently served as interim Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, has been a strong supporter of FRI and has worked to develop various programs on campus that have greatly benefited CNS students. Read the full article here. 

Beckman Scholarships Awarded to Two FRI Alumni

The Beckman Scholars Program is an invited program for accredited universities and four-year colleges in the United States. It provides scholarships that contribute significantly in advancing the education, research training and personal development of select students in chemistry, biochemistry, and the biological and medical sciences. This year's recipients are FRI Alumni Ricardo Garza Jr. (Synthesis and Biological Recognition Stream) and Wade Wang (Brain Pathology Stream). 

Goldwater Scholarships Awarded to FRI Students

The Goldwater Scholarship was established in 1986 to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields. This year's award recipients are William Berdanier (Electronic and Magnetic Materials Research Stream) and Leslie Chang (Aptamer Stream). Congratulations!

Five FRI Alumni Awarded the Unrestricted President's Endowed Scholarship

The Unrestricted President's Endowed Scholarship, which is considered to be one of the notable scholarships offered to UT students, was awarded to eight chemistry and biochemistry students, including five FRI alumni. Congratulations to Ricardo Garza Jr. and Bruce Hua (Synthesis and Biological Recognition Stream) as well as Leslie Chang, Ryan Lannan, and Naveen Mehta (Aptamer Stream). Congratulations to all award recipients—view the full list of award winners here.