Forty-four (44) students are selected to receive the Gilliam Fellowship for Advanced Study by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advisers for 2019. The program is committed to supporting diversity and science by nourishing the upcoming generation of scientists.
Gilliam program is organized to pair every student in each adviser while conducting lab experiments. The 2019 fellows came from a variety of schools from around the country such as the University of Arizona (UA) and Vanderbilt University (more known to be called as Vandy) which profess to be from racial, ethnic or other group backgrounds.
Senior director in science education sector of HHMI, David Asai, told that each selected fellows have exhibit great potential “who will become leaders in science” while pursuing diversity:
“The Gilliam program is aimed at people who will become leaders in science.”
Asai added that this may help to create the opportunity to change people’s common perception within the educational workforce. This is all for the hope that in the near future, leaders will stand firm from “all different backgrounds.”
“We’re trying to change the face of university faculty, so students see leaders of all different backgrounds.”
To be able to be considered in the program, each student is required to submit a career statement which highlights experiences and training within the field. Personal ideas and plans on how to make science more inclusive are also essential to be included.
Learning with Gilliam
It is revealed that each pair of adviser-student, they will receive a $50,000 award per year. This will persist for up to three (3) years in the program. Advisers will provide a year of close mentorship training which tackles on cultural recognition.
For over four (4) years, one hundred thirty-four (134) advisers participated which resulted in producing two hundred fifty-six (256) excellent young scientists.
In order for the students to flourish, effective and good training condition is a must. Gilliam firmly believes that building an inclusive learning environment and community will help the students to excel in science-related disciplines.
