We are delighted to highlight our scholars who have been accepted to graduate school. Arlyne has been accepted into two graduate programs: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, and Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Both institutions have offered her a full tuition scholarship, health benefits, and a stipend.
Arlyne’s current research interests include biomaterial design and synthesis and macromolecular drug delivery systems. Arlyne received her first research experience through the Ronald E. McNair Program. She paired with a bio-organic chemist, Dr. Z. Huang, and assisted in research on the development of a novel mechanism to incorporate selenium into nucleic acid analogs.
Arlyne says that, through the McNair program, she was able to present this research at the McNair Research Conference at the University of Maryland, College Park. Arylne is also affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology, where, for the past two years, she has been conducting research in the field of green engineering and biotechnology with Dr. R. Chen. Aiming to increase the efficiency of bioethanol production, the research team has been particularly interested in genetically engineering Escherichia coli and Zymomonas mobilis such that they are capable of efficiently degrading cellulose and hemicellulose.
Arlyne remains actively involved in the Georgia State University McNair Program. She attends monthly meetings with her McNair mentor, whom she says motivated her to succeed in her classes. She also attends numerous workshops and seminars that she credits for giving her insight into the rewards of receiving a Ph.D. and the necessary steps for a winning graduate school application.
Arlyne has the following pieces of advice for the current and future McNair scholars to successfully navigate the arduous application process:
- Start researching graduate schools and applying to graduate institutions at least one year in advance;
- Take the GRE as early as your junior year. Scores are valid up to five years, so taking the exam early allows you more time to focus on the application process in your senior year;
- Apply to at least seven schools;
- Request recommendation letters at least three months in advance;
- Write, edit, and re-edit your personal statement, and tailor it to each graduate program to which you are applying.
