Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Awards

Overview of Annual Awards Offered

• Frank Chytil Travel Award
• Laura Busenlehner Award for Outstanding Leadership & Research
• Leon W. Cunningham Excellence in Biochemistry
• Michael Waterman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Postdoctoral Studies
• Richard Armstrong Mentoring Award
• Armstrong Training Enhancement Award
• John G. Coniglio Award
• Destination Biochemistry Benjamin Danzo Postdoctoral Scholar Award
• Destination Biochemistry Stanley Cohen Postdoctoral Scholar Award
• Destination Biochemistry Advanced Postdoctoral Scholar Award

Award descriptions and deadlines are detailed below

Frank Chytil Travel Award

Nominations open annually until November 15

2024 Winner – Anna Johnson (Hiebert lab)

Previous Frank Chytil Travel Award Recipients

Dr. Chytil was a Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University. His research concentrated on Vitamin A metabolism and spanned more than 30 years. Born in Czechoslovakia, he and his wife Lucie and their children immigrated to the USA in 1966. Living through Nazi occupation and communism in his home country gave Dr. Chytil a unique appreciation for the freedom and life experience that may be gained via traveling the world. It was his great wish to support and provide for the education of our students; his firm belief was that a travel scholarship would allow our students the opportunity to stretch their knowledge and be involved within varied scientific circles to best develop into independent researchers. In memory of Dr. Frank Chytil, his family established this travel award in 2010. Upon receipt of all applications, a three-member committee appointed by our DGS and Department Chair will evaluate the candidate proposals. The strength of the student’s abstract and their academic standing will be factors for consideration. Best of luck for a bon voyage!

To nominate a Biochemistry-affiliated graduate student for consideration for this award, please submit all materials directly to Jen Smith at j.l.smith@vanderbilt.edu.

Please include the following:

• Provide a brief write-up explaining what meeting that you propose to attend, where the meeting will be held, and how you will participate in that meeting. The meeting may take place any time within the next year and may be within the USA or abroad (which will require a passport).
• Provide an abstract that has been accepted for a poster or oral presentation at the proposed meeting.
• Provide written acknowledgment of permission from your advisor that they approve of the meeting attendance.
• Provide an updated CV.
• Combine these documents into ONE SINGLE PDF FILE for submission.

Award: commemorative plaque, name added to the Department’s perpetual plaque, and a travel allowance of up to $1000.00, courtesy of the Chytil Fund.

Laura Busenlehner Award for Outstanding Leadership & Research

Nominations open annually until November 15

2024 Winner – Katherine Stefanski, Ph.D. (Sanders lab)

Previous Laura Busenlehner Award Recipients

This annual award was established in 2017 at the request of the family of Professor Richard Armstrong and is supported by the fund set up in his name. The Dr. Laura Busenlehner Award is designed to honor an outstanding Biochemistry-affiliated Postdoctoral trainee or an exceptionally advanced student whose discovery science and curiosity-driven research stands out among our excellent trainees. Dr. Busenlehner did her post-doctorate work at Vanderbilt from 2003 to 2007 in the Armstrong Lab. She went on to be an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama in 2007, an NIH career award winner in 2009, and was named a distinguished Teacher Fellow in 2014, which is also the year in which she became a tenured Associate Professor. Regrettably, this bright scientist passed away in November of 2014. At that time, one of her students named Erin Hein stated that Dr. Busenlehner “really pressed women in science and motivated me throughout my research.” Her studies focused on the inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and biophysical characterization of the Frataxin protein, deciphering its role in the neurodegenerative disease Friedrich’s Ataxia. The winner will be determined via an appointed selection committee.

To nominate a Biochemistry-affiliated Postdoctoral trainee or exceptionally advanced graduate student for consideration of this award, please submit all materials directly to Jen Smith at j.l.smith@vanderbilt.edu.

Please include the following:

• One letter of support with rationale for the nomination
• CV of the nominee

Award: individual commemorative plaque and a cash award courtesy of the Richard Armstrong Fund; winners are typically announced at the Biochemistry Retreat and give a subsequent 20-minute presentation.

Leon W. Cunningham Award for Excellence in Biochemistry

Nominations open annually until November 15

2024 Graduate Student Winner – Meghan Mei (Ren lab)

Previous Leon W. Cunningham Award Recipients

The Leon W. Cunningham Award is given annually to a graduate student affiliated with the Biochemistry graduate program who shares Leon’s commitment to excellence in scientific discovery.

We are now accepting applications for the annual Leon W. Cunningham Graduate Student Award. This award is given annually to a student in the Biochemistry graduate program who shares Leon’s commitment to excellence in scientific discovery. The awardee is usually an upper level student with a solid publication record, but there are no formal requirements. After all of the submissions have been collected, a committee of faculty members will be formed to select an awardee. The graduate student awardee will be publicly announced at the Biochemistry Retreat. The award winner will be privately notified beforehand and should plan to present a 20-minute talk at the Retreat.

To nominate one of your Biochemistry-affiliated graduate student for consideration for this award, please submit all materials for the awards committee directly to Jen Smith at j.l.smith@vanderbilt.edu.

Please include the following:

• One letter of support with rationale for the nomination
• CV of the nominee

Award: commemorative plaque, name added to the Department’s perpetual plaque, and a cash award courtesy of the Cunningham Fund; winners are typically announced at the Biochemistry Retreat and give a subsequent 20-minute presentation.

Michael Waterman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Postdoctoral Studies

Nominations open annually until November 15

2024 Winner – Juan Carvajal-Garcia, Ph.D. (Merrikh lab)

Previous Michael Waterman Award Recipients

This award, established in 2021 honors the outstanding achievement of a Postdoctoral fellow in Biochemistry. The winner will have made an important research discovery as evidenced by a publication within the past year. Other evidence for research impact will also be considered. The award is named for Michael R. Waterman, Ph.D., Natalie Overall Warren Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry from 1992-2010. His leadership skills at Vanderbilt were characterized by his calm and thoughtful approach to the management of the Biochemistry department and advocacy for faculty needs. The Department expanded significantly and thrived under his direction. Dr. Waterman’s research was focused on cytochrome P450 enzymes and related proteins. It led to a better understanding of processes underlying hormonal disturbances and provides the basis for developing better anti-fungal drugs, defining the potential roles of steroid metabolism in the control of human parasites, and many other issues of clinical importance. He mentored 12 Ph.D. candidates and more than 50 postdoctoral research fellows. This award recognizes his commitment to postdoctoral training and the Vanderbilt Department of Biochemistry. Applications will be evaluated by a small, appointed committee to determine the most-deserving award recipient. The postdoctoral fellow awardee is usually announced at the Biochemistry retreat. The award winner will be privately notified beforehand.

To nominate one of your Biochemistry-affiliated Postdoctoral research fellow for consideration for this award, please submit all materials for the awards committee directly to Jen Smith at j.l.smith@vanderbilt.edu

Please include the following:

• One letter of support with rationale for the nomination
• CV of the nominee
• A reprint of the candidate’s best paper published from your laboratory in the past year.

Award: commemorative plaque, name added to the Department’s perpetual plaque, and a cash award; winners are typically announced at the Biochemistry Retreat and are expected to give a 20-minute presentation on their research.

Richard Armstrong Mentoring Award

Nominations open annually until November 15

2024 Winner – Scott Hiebert, Ph.D.

Previous Armstrong Mentoring Award Recipients

Established in 2016, this annual award will be granted to a Vanderbilt Biochemistry faculty member whose commitment and excellence in student or Postdoctoral training is exemplary. Named in honor of the late Dr. Richard Armstrong, Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry at Vanderbilt University and Foreign Adjunct Professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. The research of Dr. Armstrong focused on how enzymes detoxify foreign molecules through a multipronged chemical, structural, and molecular approach. As an editor of the journal Biochemistry, Richard fostered the dissemination of shared scientific knowledge. His work as a teacher, scholar, and advisor were instrumental in expertly guiding students though the rigors of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He emphasized fundamentals through his numerous lectures and selflessly served the Biochemistry community through teaching, committee membership, grant reviews, and participation in professional societies. He was also fond of teaching his young relatives to fish. The winner will be determined via an appointed selection committee.

To nominate a Biochemistry faculty member for consideration of this award, please submit all materials directly to Jen Smith at j.l.smith@vanderbilt.edu.

Please include the following:

• Provide a nomination letter detailing how a faculty member exemplifies a commitment to excellence in student or post-doctoral training.
• Additional letters of support are encouraged, but are optional (from graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, or peer colleagues).
• Jen Smith will secure an updated CV from the candidates.

Award: commemorative plaque, name added to a Departmental perpetual plaque, and a $2500 cash award courtesy of the Richard Armstrong Fund. Past awardees have presented a Frontiers in Biochemistry Seminar, incorporating topics of mentorship.

Armstrong Training Enhancement Award

Nominations open annually until November 15

2024 Winner – Gabriela Vasquez Gonzalez (Cortez lab)

Previous Armstrong Training Enhancement Award Recipients

Established in 2023, this annual award provides up to $5,000 for a Biochemistry-affiliated student or postdoctoral fellow to visit another laboratory anywhere in the world to enhance their training. Visiting another laboratory to facilitate collaborations or to learn a new methodology is a powerful way of advancing a research project. This award is named in honor of the late Dr. Richard Armstrong, Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry at Vanderbilt University and Foreign Adjunct Professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm Sweden. Dr. Armstrong understood that scientific exchanges like those supported by this award are often formative experiences in a scientist’s training.  Students and postdoctoral fellows can apply directly for this award. All Biochemistry-affiliated graduate students or postdoctoral fellows are eligible. Graduate students in other programs who are training in a primary Biochemistry faculty member’s lab are also eligible. The winner will be determined via an appointed selection committee.

To nominate a Biochemistry-affiliated Postdoctoral trainee or graduate student for consideration of this award, please submit all materials directly to Jen Smith at j.l.smith@vanderbilt.edu

Please note:

• If traveling internationally, allot sufficient time to obtain a passport.
• Funds must be used within one year of award notification decision.

Please include the following:

• A letter of interest from the trainee describing how the award will be used including the destination, expected duration of the visit, and training activities to be conducted
• A letter of reference from the nominee’s mentor, including a commitment to cover any costs in excess of $5,000.
• CV of the nominee

Award: commemorative plaque and a travel allowance of up to $5000.00, courtesy of the Richard Armstrong Fund.

John G. Coniglio Award

Nominations open annually January 1 – March 1

2024 Winner – Samantha P. Beik, Ph.D. (Lopez/Quaranta labs)

Previous John C. Coniglio Award Recipients

This medical student award was established upon the retirement of Dr. Coniglio in 1990 to honor his many years of outstanding service to the Department and his leadership in the field of medical student education. Presented annually, this award provides recognition of a graduating medical student(s) who has distinguished themself in biochemistry. Accomplishments in both biochemical research and biochemistry courses are considered in evaluating candidates for this award.

Trainees eligible for consideration of the John G. Coniglio Prize in Biochemistry, must be nominated by a member of the Biochemistry faculty. The nominating letter need not be extensive, but should make clear the reasons for the student’s nomination. If there is a graduating M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. candidate whom you feel deserves consideration for the award, please send a letter of recommendation on their behalf directly to the award curator, Dr. Neil Osheroff, no later than March 1 to allow sufficient time for inclusion in “Class Day” commencement recognitions. Electronic submissions are preferred. Final candidates for the John G. Coniglio Prize in Biochemistry will be recommended to the Departmental Chair for final approval.

To nominate a Biochemistry-affiliated M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. student for consideration for this award, please submit all materials directly to Neil Osheroff at neil.osheroff@vanderbilt.edu. If you have questions regarding students who are graduating this year, please contact Neil directly. Your assistance in identifying an outstanding candidate for this award is greatly appreciated.

Please include the following:

• One letter of support with rationale for the nomination

Award: commemorative plaque, name added to the Department’s perpetual plaque, and a cash award courtesy of the Coniglio Memorial fund.

Destination Biochemistry Benjamin Danzo Postdoctoral Scholar Award

Applications by incoming EARLY-CAREER new Postdoctoral fellows at http://apply.interfolio.com/123614 are accepted on February 15, June 1, and October 1.

Destination Biochemistry Stanley Cohen Postdoctoral Scholar Award

Applications by incoming EARLY-CAREER new Postdoctoral fellows at http://apply.interfolio.com/123614 are accepted on February 15, June 1, and October 1.

Destination Biochemistry Advanced Postdoctoral Scholar Award

Open to existing ADVANCED-CAREER Postdoctoral fellows readying for independent careers within the next year. Apply via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/123677  by annual deadline of August 1.

Additional Awards

2024 Graduate School Travel Award Recipients

Sabrina Van Ravenstein (Dewar Lab)

Samantha Lisy (Ascano Lab)

Samika Joshi (Osheroff Lab)

Katherine Moster (Sanders Lab)

Verda Agan (Hodges Lab)

Jillian Armenia (Osheroff Lab)

Alexis Campbell (Blind Lab)

Kateryna Nabukhotna (Lacy Lab)

Katherine Brewer (Sanders Lab)

2024 Award Winners

Xiaoyu “Lily” Yu of the Kojetin lab won the 2024 VICB Richard Armstrong Prize at the VICB Symposium on August 2.

Kevin McCarty of the Guengerich lab has been named a recipient of the 2024 Dean’s Award for Exceptional Achievement by the School of Medicine Basic Sciences.

Juan Carvajal Garcia of the Merrikh lab has been named 2024 VI4 Trainee of the Year.

Xiaoyu (Lily) Yu from the Kojetin lab received the new Provost’s Pathbreaking Discovery Award. This award recognizes doctoral students who exhibit exceptional academic excellence in areas such as publications, awards, patents, and other forms of national/international distinction.

2023 Best Poster and Talk Award Winners

2023 Biochemistry Retreat Award Winners

2023 Graduate School Travel Award Recipients

2023 Protein Society Annual Symposium

2023 Anne Karpay Award in Structural Biology

2022 VICB Armstrong Prize

2022 Travel Awards

2022 Anne Karpay Award in Structural Biology

2022 Biochemistry Retreat Poster Winners

2022 Graduate Endowment Award

2022 VICC Postsdoctoral Scholar Award

2021 Inaugural Award, Excellence in Podcasting

2021 Anne Karpay Award in Structural Biology

2020 Armstrong Faculty Transition Award

2020 Levi Watkins Jr. Student Award

2020 Sidney Colowick Award

2020 Human Islet Research Network Scholarship

2020 Dean’s Award for Exceptional Achievement for Advanced Students

2020 Anne Karpay Award in Structural Biology

2020 Graduate School Travel Award Recipient

2019 Russell G. Hamilton Graduate Leadership Institute Dissertation Enhancement Grant

2019 Russell G. Hamilton Graduate Leadership Institute Travel Award

2019 Dean’s Award for Exceptional Achievement for Advanced Students

2018 Armstrong Faculty Transition Award

2018 Vanderbilt Prize Scholar

2017 AAPS Foundation Fellowship

2017 Christopher C. Harris Travel Award for Graduate Students

2017 Levi Watkins Jr. Student Award

2017 VICC Graduate Students of the Year Award

2017 F99/K00 Predoctoral-to-Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award

2017 Spanish Language Fellow

2015 Vanderbilt Prize Scholar

2014 Chemical Society’s Division of Chemical Toxicology Poster Winner

2011 Vanderbilt Prize Scholar & Dr. Titia de Lange, the Vanderbilt Prize Winner

Bianca Sirbu (left) selected as the
2011 Vanderbilt Prize Scholar and
Dr. Titia de Lange, the Vanderbilt Prize Winner.