91�Թ���

Neuroscience senior awarded fellowship to pursue graduate studies

�Ѳ����������Elkouri��’21, a��neuroscience major at 91�Թ���,��was recognized by the National Science Foundation (NSF) with a five-year fellowship,��which includes three years of financial support through a $34,000 annual stipend and $12,000��allowance toward the cost of education.��The Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) seeks to distinguish and support graduate students pursuing research-based master’s and��doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines.��Elkouri��will attend the University of Michigan later this year to earn a doctorate in neuroscience through the institution’s Program in Biomedical Sciences.��In his application,��Elkouri��emphasized his��passion for mentorship and to help other Latinx students in��STEM fields. “This isn’t just an��award��for writing��good science,” he said. “It’s a��reminder��that my identity��has a place in neuroscience.”��

The fellowship will allow��Elkouri��more flexibility in the projects he can pursue. It also means he does not have to work as a teaching assistant, but as��a former STEM Zone intern,��Elkouri��wants to help others��any way he can. “I love teaching and being able to show folks they��can��understand science if they have��the��right teacher,” he explained.��Elkouri��has also appreciated the mentorship��in his life��from��faculty and staff��during his time as a 91�Թ��� of Wooster student.����“I can’t pick just one—the collective support I’ve received here has helped mold me into who I am��today,” he said. “Being part of such a tight knit community really helped me get comfortable asking questions to my professors to better engage with the material.��There’s not a single moment where I felt like there wasn’t at least a few people rooting for me.”��

Elkouri is considering a career in science communication��and is grateful to go into graduate school with tutoring experience. He also credits��the��completion��of his Independent Study for instilling confidence as he moves to the next stage of life. “Having gone through the I.S. process helped me refine my skills in setting realistic goals and feeling okay if I don’t reach them,”��Elkouri��said.��“Setbacks are common in life and in science��and you have to learn to be resilient.”��

Featured image: Marcel Elkouri ’21 uses a microscope in the lab, a component of his Independent Study research.

Posted in News on April 12, 2021.