Simpson student selected for competitive summer research program

For Immediate Release

03.26.2010

REDDING, Calif. – A Simpson University biology major was recently accepted into a prestigious summer research program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Amy Zellman, a junior from Florida, accepted the appointment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after also being offered an opportunity with the Weill Cornell Medical College.

“Even though the program at Cornell is well-known and respected, the Department offered better individualized research opportunities,” said Zellman.

“Zellman will be working on an acute wound healing study at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., under the guidance of Dr. Steven Goheen.

“Amy has developed excellent academic discipline at Simpson University, and she takes the initiative to find and pursue opportunities,” said Larry Siemens, assistant professor of chemistry. “The research she participates in this summer will go far to prepare her for graduate school.”

The Department of Homeland Security offers a 10-week stipend internship program for eligible students majoring in homeland-security-related science and technology disciplines. Interns have the opportunity to work at federal research facilities.

“This will be a vigorous and challenging educational experience,” said Zellman, who wants to pursue a combined M.D./Ph.D. program after graduation. “Gaining hands-on experience working in the lab will enable me to narrow my focus of study within the sciences and decide on a specific career path.”

Zellman learned about the internships by researching online. The application process included personal statements, a background check, and a phone interview. Additionally, her professors at Simpson provided letters of recommendation on her behalf.

“My professors have done a great job preparing me for this,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of helpful interaction with professors due to small class sizes.”

Simpson University is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson’s academic programs includes ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. Simpson’s recent curriculum expansion includes degrees in biology, nursing, outdoor leadership, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.

 

Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737