Congratulations to our 2024 Danny Brower Scholarship Winners!
The Danny Brower Scholarship was established by the department of Molecular and Cellular Biology to honor the professional accomplishments of Danny Brower, Professor and Scientist, for over 25 years at the University of Arizona.
This year’s scholarship winners are Amanda Adams and Sophia Marcinowski!
We wanted to learn more about our Scholarship winners, so we had a conversation with them about their support system, why they chose MCB and their plans after graduation. Here is what they had to say!
Our first winner is Amanda Adams who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology. In addition to her major, she is minoring in Psychology, Biochemistry and Spanish. She starts her senior year the fall of 2024. 
What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?
I was extremely excited and grateful when I learned I was the award winner.
Can you share a memorable experience from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award?
Joining a research lab was truly a highlight for me. I work in the Craig Lab, under Dr. Zelieann. This is a reproductive toxicology lab and being able to do work that is applicable to the reproductive health of females everywhere is extremely rewarding and has fueled my passion for breaking down the unknown. Such experiences have solidified my love for science and have reassured me in my degree choice.
Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey?
My parents and my boyfriend have been my biggest sources of inspiration and support. I can always count on them to be proud of my accomplishments and help me realize my full potential. They have supported me every step along the way even though they would be happy no matter what I am doing. I am truly grateful for them and all they have done for me throughout my time here.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to attend graduate school to earn my Master's in genetic counseling. I would like to specialize in prenatal or pediatrics.
How do you plan to utilize what you have learned at University of Arizona and in MCB in your future endeavors?
I see myself using what I have learned in MCB as a firm basis for my career. Topics like genetics and genetic screening will be relevant daily as a genetic counselor. I would also like to pursue research in the future and these skills, MCB and life skills from university in general, are extremely applicable in finding a position and conducting the research.
Our second winner is Sophia Marcinowski who is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology. In addition to her major, she is minoring in Fine Art. 
What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?
Shocked and very honored/excited!
Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award?
My first experience of working in a lab was in the Buchan Lab with my PI Ross Buchan. Within the first year of working there, my work was published in our paper and I was credited as a coauthor. You can find our paper here: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.05.519172v1
Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey?
My biggest inspiration has been my mentor in our lab, Lucas Marmorale. He is a PhD student who has shown me so much patience and taught me so many things. He is an awesome person, and I would not be where I am today without his guidance!
What are your plans after graduation?
I graduated this year and will continue working on my master's degree here at the University of Arizona through the MCB Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) - https://mcb.arizona.edu/education/undergraduate-program/accelerated-mast...
How do you plan to utilize what you have learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors?
I plan to utilize not only all the things I have learned here, but also the lab techniques and critical thinking I have gained from my research experience.
To learn more about Danny Brower and why he is an inspiration to all of us at MCB, head to our website here.