Meg Andrews (2004) and John Kelly (2007) have been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security.

Two Park Scholarship recipients have been recognized by the US Department of Homeland Security. Alumna Meg Andrews (2004) was named a Homeland Security Fellow; John Kelly (2007) was named a Homeland Security Scholar. The awards honor students who pursue science and technology innovations that can be applied to the Department’s mission.

John is a junior majoring in Computer Engineering. He is a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi. As a freshman, he helped found the PKD Road Race to raise money for polycystic kidney disease research. This year’s race took in more than $16,000.

Meg is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard University. She works in the laboratory of Dr. Dyann Wirth, where she applies a chemical biology approach to the study of malaria.

At NC State, Meg was a Goldwater Scholar, as well as a state finalist for the Rhodes and a national finalist for the Fulbright. She feels that in some ways, her successful DHS application was a result of those earlier applications.

”I learned a great deal about preparing for national and international fellowships from Park faculty and staff, and staff in the Honors office at NC State,” she says. ”I’m sure my application was also strengthened by the opportunities I had as a Park Scholar, especially the research funded by GRASPs.”

Meg has advice for seniors who plan to pursue graduate fellowships—apply early.

”Applying for fellowships during my first year of grad school was more intense than I had anticipated,” says Meg. ”Students should consider applying their senior year. Worrying about applications while you are adjusting to a new environment might be even more stressful than worrying about it your senior year.”

The DHS Fellowship includes a $2,300 stipend per month for 12 months and appointments are for 3 years. The DHS Scholarship provides a $1,000 stipend for 9 months during the academic year and appointments are for two years. Both awards include full tuition and some fees. Scholars and Fellows are required to fulfill a 10-week internship in the summer of 2006 in a DHS-approved position.

Founded in 2003, the Homeland Security Scholars and Fellows Program supports the development and mentoring of the next generation of scientists as they pursue technological breakthroughs resulting in improved homeland security. More than 300 awards have been made since the program began.