Ta-Chun Lin and Stephen Owusu have earned the inaugural Shi/Ma Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research at Missouri S&T. The winners are granted a $1,000 award in recognition of their contributions to the field of biomedical research.

Ta-Chun Lin, a graduate student in biological sciences from Taoyuan, Taiwan, was awarded for research titled “Evaluating the Impact of Secondhand ENDS Aerosols on ROS-mediated Alterations of Epigenetic Events: Implications for COPD Pathogenesis.” His research advisor is Dr. Yue-Wern Huang, professor of biological sciences and associate dean for research and external relations in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE).

“Ta-Chun Lin’s academic journey and research achievements, spanning from his undergraduate studies to his master’s program, render him an exceptional candidate for this award,” says Huang in his nomination letter for Lin. “His forthcoming work on antioxidants and electronic nicotine delivery systems promises to further contribute to the field of biomedical research, emphasizing his potential to drive forward innovative health solutions.”

Stephen Owusu, a Ph.D. student in chemistry from Mampong, Ghana, was awarded for research titled “Effect of aerogel morphologies on their drug carrier efficiency.” His research advisor is Dr. Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, chair and professor of chemistry at S&T.

“Stephen is a determined, high achiever and hard worker who works well both independently as well as in a group setting,” says Sotiriou-Leventis in her nomination letter for Owusu. “I believe that this award, coupled with Stephen’s experience in aerogels, will help him find a future role in the area of biomedical uses of aerogels.”

The new award was established by Dr. Honglan Shi, a research professor emeritus of chemistry at S&T, and her husband, Dr. Yinfa Ma, a Curators’ Distinguished Professor emeritus of chemistry. Ma also formerly served as the associate dean for research and external relations in CASE and directed the Center for Biomedical Research.

To be eligible for the award, students must be enrolled in a degree program within CASE and be actively engaged in biomedical research. The students had to submit a two-page essay detailing their research endeavors, along with a recommendation from their faculty advisor.

About Missouri S&T

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu.