Haley Marks, a graduate student in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University, has been named recipient of the Whitaker International Fellowship.
As a fellowship recipient, Marks will have the opportunity to study at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland in the lab of Professor Duncan Graham during the summer of 2014.
While there, Marks, who is advised by Professor Gerard L. Coté, will work on biosensor technology aimed at allowing physicians, emergency responders, toxicologists or other researchers to instantly perform blood tests while with the patient for trace levels of carcinogens, radiation exposure biomarkers and other environmental agents.
"I am excited to have Haley work for two months with Dr. Graham; we have collaborated with Dr. Graham for several years, and he is a clear global leader in functionalizing nanoparticles for use in biomarker detection for disease diagnosis,” Coté said. “This experience will provide Haley with not only a quality research opportunity but also a global experience to enhance her future career.”
The Whitaker International Program sends emerging leaders in U.S. biomedical engineering (or bioengineering) overseas to undertake a self-designed project that will enhance their careers within the field. The goal of the program is to assist the development of professional leaders who are not only superb scientists, but who also will advance the profession through an international outlook. Along with supporting grant projects in an academic setting, the Whitaker International Program encourages grantees to engage in policy work and propose projects in an industry setting.
The Whitaker International Fellows and Scholars Program was created by the Institute of International Education with a grant from the Whitaker Foundation. Its mission is to promote international collaboration in the growing field of biomedical engineering. Whitaker International Fellows are those who have received a degree in biomedical engineering, but have not yet obtained a Ph.D. Whitaker International Scholars are biomedical engineers who have already received a Ph.D. within two years of application.