Shayna McHugh '05 has been awarded an American Society of Pharmacognosy Undergraduate Research Grant to pursue her research on the "Investigation of the Bioactive Constituents of Stylotella aurantium from Guam." McHugh's faculty advisor is Robin Kinnel, Silas D. Childs Professor of Chemistry.
In the awards letter Bradley Davidson, chair, Awards & Funds Committee for the American Society of Pharmacognosy wrote, "The Society is fortunate to be able to fund the research of promising undergraduate students, such as yourself, and hopes that you will elect to pursue graduate studies in the area of natural products research....the Society strongly urges you to submit the results of your research for presentation at the annual meeting next year."
A chemistry major, McHugh plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry, then become a medical research scientist focusing on the discovery and development of new drugs and medicines. Earlier this year she was named a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar for the 2003-04 academic year. The scholarship is the premier national undergraduate award in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.
McHugh was named the recipient of The American Chemical Society and Joint Polymer Education Committee Award and The William John Schickler III Prize Scholarship at Hamilton College's annual Class and Charter Day, held on May 9.
The William John Schickler III Prize Scholarship, established by his family and friends in memory of William J. Schickler III, Class of 1982, is awarded to a upcoming junior who demonstrates good academic performance, financial need, enthusiasm for life, and is a dedicated participant in extracurricular activities.
In February, McHugh was awarded a travel grant by Merck/AAAS and presented a poster, "Investigation of Bioactive Constituents of Stylotella aurantium from Guam," at the national meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She is a peer tutor for chemistry, physics and math, a writing tutor and a founding member of Hamilton's Copoiera Club, African-Brazilian martial arts and dance.
