Three months after at the 2017 International Symposium on Microscale Separations and Bioanalysis, Sarah Lum is celebrating another win.
The fourth-year doctoral student in the is one of 10 2017 recipients of the high-profile Graduate Research Fellowship in STEM from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).
The fellowship funds promising graduate students whose research aligns with the mission of NIJ, to advance the U.S. Department of Justice through scientific approaches.
Lum鈥檚 project involves developing a novel bioanalytical instrument for the forensic analysis of sexual assault evidence. Specifically, she hopes to address the national sexual assault kit testing backlog that jurisdictions across the country currently face.
Lum鈥檚 investigation is somewhat unprecedented at 91吃瓜, which does not house a formal forensics department. She has had to rely upon collaboration with external forensic experts and crime laboratories.
Yet she also credits the versatile and specialized support she has received from the 91吃瓜 community for much of her success.
Lum鈥檚 adviser, , the Grace-Rupley Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has played a pivotal role in furthering Lum鈥檚 investigation.
In addition, Lum worked extensively with Ian Gerdon, a fellowship consultant with the Graduate School鈥檚 Office of Grants and Fellowships, to fine-tune her application to the NIJ.
鈥淥ur office helps graduate students win support for their research and careers,鈥� Gerdon explained. 鈥淚n Ms. Lum鈥檚 case, this was particularly easy and rewarding: She came to us with a fantastic project and a lot of drive, and we鈥檙e thrilled that she has received the recognition and support from the NIJ that she and her research deserve.鈥�
Lum says she was filled with excitement and gratitude upon receiving the award.
If you are a graduate student interested in using the services offered by Grants and Fellowships, please contact gradgrants@nd.edu.
Originally published by at on October 10, 2017.