Sept. 27, 2023
Cynthia Tang and Brian Thomas, student scientists at the University of Missouri’s Bond Life Sciences Center, both recently received F30 fellowships — officially named the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award — from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They are the first Tigers to receive this award, which includes up to six years of funding to cover costs of research and clinical training.
Tang is a researcher in Henry Wan’s lab. There she studies the evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2 — the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thomas studies cancer immunology in the lab of Donald Burke. In addition to their research responsibilities, both are pursuing joint M.D.-Ph.D. degrees at MU’s School of Medicine.
Both students said they are thankful for how the fellowship has pushed them to navigate the highly competitive grant application process as well as clearly outline their goals and ambitions.
“We have an incredible grants team, and our faculty is amazing,” Tang said. “There are so many resources available at Mizzou.”
This fellowship is an opportunity for students to pursue their passions in science and research while alleviating financial burdens, giving researchers like Tang and Thomas the tools to succeed.
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