Eight rising juniors at the University of South Carolina have been chosen as 2016 Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholars.

 

From the USC website: Participation in the Hollings Scholarship Program exposes rising juniors and seniors to the mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and to our nation's long history of oceanic and atmospheric stewardship, reflected in the dedicated career of retired South Carolina Senator Ernest F. Hollings. Hollings Scholars are expected to become scientists, policy-makers, or educators in the future US oceanic and atmospheric workforce. The class of 2016 Hollings Scholars includes 125 students from across the country.

Among the students are five students who carry out research with faculty members in Biology:

Kayla Gardner is a McNair Scholar and member of the South Carolina Honors College pursuing a major in Marine Science. She is working with Dr. Tammi Richardson.

Olivia Harris is a Biology major and a member of the South Carolina Honors College.  She received a McNair, a SCAMP, and a U.S. Navy Anchor Scholarship. She works with Dr. Dan Speiser on visual ecology.

Rita Hjelm is majoring in Marine Science with a focus in Biological Sciences. She is a recipient of the McKissick Scholarship and works with Dr. Ryan Rykaczewski.

Leon Tran is double majoring in Biology and Environmental Science. He is a recipient of the Watson-Brown Scholarship and works with Dr. Carol Boggs.

Amaelia Zyck is a Capstone and a McKissick Scholar and received the Wrigley Sponsored National Merit Special Scholarship. She is majoring in Marine Science. Zyck’s research includes work with mussel larvae under Dr. Jerry Hilbish.