Vanessa Chaplin '12 Receives College's Biomedical Scholar Award
05.18.2010
LONGMEADOW, Mass.—In the few short years she has been pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Vanessa Chaplin ’12 of Attleboro has made her scientific mark in the labs of the Bay Path College’s Longmeadow Campus. Faculty members of the College’s Department of Science and Mathematics have selected Chaplin, a forensic science major, as the recipient of this year’s Bay Path College Biomedical Scholar Award.
A coveted honor among the undergraduate science majors at Bay Path, the Biomedical Scholar Award is sponsored by Bay Path Professor of Biology and Forensic Science Edward G. Bernstine, PhD, and his wife Joanne Wilkens. Annually, a Bay Path student in her third year of undergraduate studies, who exemplifies an excellent aptitude for biomedical science, is presented with the honor. The award, which comes with a $500 cash prize, encourages the student to pursue graduate studies in a biomedical discipline.
“It is important that the Award is given to a student, like Vanessa, who demonstrates such promise,” said Dr. Bernstine. “As a first-year student, Vanessa showed courage as she enrolled in my genetics course and took organic chemistry. Both are challenging subjects usually studied by second-year students. It is a pleasure to witness first-hand her development as a scientist. The purpose of this award is to encourage her to keep it up.”
The Biomedical Scholar Award is an annual honor given by the College’s faculty members. Chaplin was joined by her peers, Science and Mathematics Department faculty, and College President Carol A. Leary during the Biomedical Scholar Award presentation.
“I’m thrilled to receive this distinction,” said Chaplin. “To be presented with such accolades from Dr. Bernstine and Ms. Wilkens for my commitment to the biomedical sciences is such an encouragement and gives me the confidence to pursue advanced studies after my undergraduate education at Bay Path.”
In addition to the Biomedical Scholar Award, Chaplin was recognized at the 5th Annual Marcia H. Conrad Awards Ceremony for her work in the Honors Program as well as with the Thomas G. Carr Award. Named for Bay Path’s first president, the award is bestowed upon an undergraduate who exhibits academic achievement, character, and service to the college or community that reflect the standards and values at Bay Path. The honor is awarded to a student who is a leader, but works behind-the-scenes on college activities and projects. Chaplin is a student admissions representative and peer tutor, and plays on theWildcats softball and volleyball teams.
