Senior earns national science scholarship
Contact: Rene Abadie
6/4/09
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HAMMOND – Megan Lanier, a Southeastern Louisiana University senior from Husser, has been awarded a Gladys Anderson Emerson Scholarship from Iota Sigma Pi, the national honor society for women in chemistry.
A chemistry major in Southeastern’s American Chemical Society-certified curriculum, Lanier received one of two $2,000 scholarships awarded by the national organization.
“It is truly an honor for the university and our chemistry program in particular for one of our students to be recognized with this national award,” said President John L. Crain. “The award reflects on Ms. Lanier’s dedication and diligence in her studies and research as well as the support she receives from our faculty.”
She was nominated for the award by Debra Dolliver, assistant professor of chemistry. In her nomination letter, Dolliver said, “Megan is the best overall student I have had during my teaching career, and I can think of no better recipient for this award. Not only is she an excellent researcher, manager, and leader, she also has displayed scholarly talent in her course work.”
Lanier expects to graduate from Southeastern in May 2010 and plans to pursue a doctorate in organic synthesis with a goal of working in research and development at a pharmaceutical company or similar firms.
She is one of two student leaders in the university’s SEAL (Student Entrepreneurs as Active Leaders) program, in which groups of Southeastern students are linked with various industrial clients in the area to work on specific projects. As a student manager, she assists other students with their research, maintains project budgets and meets with clients.
“Working with SEAL has been a tremendous help to my professional career by allowing me to perform research for a client and attend local and national scientific conferences to present my research to other scientists,” Lanier said.
Lanier also participates in Southeastern’s outreach programs to local schools to promote science education in the community.
Founded in 1902, Iota Sigma Pi has more than 10,000 members and 40 chapters in colleges and universities. The organization’s primary objectives are to promote interest in chemistry among women students, foster mutual advancement in the field, and stimulate personal accomplishments in the fields of chemistry.
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