ECU researcher, grad student among American Association of University Women award recipients
East Carolina University graduate student Rachel E.R. Person, left, and doctoral fellow Samantha McDonald have received honors from the American Association of University Women. (Contributed photos)
An East Carolina University researcher, Dr. Samantha McDonald, and an ECU graduate student, Rachel E.R. Person, have received American Association of University Women (AAUW) 2019-20 fellowships and grants.
McDonald, from Belfair, Washington, received an AAUW Fellowship totaling $31,749. McDonald, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Foundational Sciences, is pursuing research in prenatal exercise and its effects on maternal and neonatal health.
“This fellowship allows me the opportunity to determine the impact of prenatal exercise on maternal metabolism and neonatal health, which may strongly affect their future health trajectories,” McDonald said. “Additionally, I will train on important bench science analytical techniques that complement my epidemiological and theoretical academic background, and provide necessary skills for my future research endeavors.”
McDonald said she plans to continue her research on prenatal exercise and neonatal health with special emphasis on metabolism, adipose (fat), and function of the placenta and skeletal muscle tissue.
Person, from Jacksonville, received an AAUW Career Development Grant totaling $10,464. Person is pursuing her Master of Science in Counselor Education with a concentration in Student Affairs and College Counseling.
“Receiving this grant means freedom from financial worry for the final year of my education,” Person said. “It will allow me to pursue career growth in higher education that I wasn’t able to achieve without pursuing a master’s degree.”
Person said she plans to work in higher education, specifically targeting special populations such as first-generation, historically underrepresented, female and nontraditional students.
According to AAUW, the fellowship and grant programs allow recipients to pursue academic work and lead innovative community projects that will empower women and girls.
AAUW is one of the world’s oldest leading supporters of graduate women’s education. Since 1888, it has provided more than $115 million in fellowships, grants and awards to 13,000 recipients from more than 145 countries. For the 2019-20 academic year, AAUW awarded more than $4 million in fellowships and grants to roughly 260 scholars, research projects and programs promoting education and equity for women and girls.
“In the 130 years that AAUW has been providing funding, our fellows and grantees have contributed so much to their schools, their communities and to society at large,” said Kim Churches, chief executive officer of AAUW. “We know that this year’s recipients will continue in that esteemed tradition, and we are honored to provide the resources they need to excel in their academic work — and to ultimately make a difference in the world.”
AAUW’s awards are designed to help alleviate the burden of student debt so women can focus on developing their skills and experience. Applications open Aug. 1 each year, and deadlines vary by program.
The nonprofit AAUW has more than 170,000 members and supporters, including 800 college and university members. For more information, visit www.aauw.org.
-by Ken Buday, University Communications