#USA #New England Biolabs #Ipswich #Nucleic Acid Purification #Monarch Scholarship

New England Biolabs Highlights Excellence in Nucleic Acid Research

On June 12, 2025, New England Biolabs (NEB) proudly announced the winners of the Monarch Nucleic Acid Purification Scholarship, recognizing three outstanding scholars dedicated to advancing the field of nucleic acid purification. This scholarship highlights NEB's commitment to supporting research that embodies the principles of performance, sustainability, and community engagement.

The recipients of the scholarship—Amelia Bergeson, Grace Kennedy, and Hope Okunbor—are not only excelling in their respective fields but are also contributing positively to the communities around them.

Meet the Scholarship Recipients

1. Amelia Bergeson
- Research Focus: Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin
- Bergeson is tackling the urgent problem of plastic pollution with her research on microorganisms that can degrade plastics. By purifying and sequencing the DNA and RNA from microbes sourced from a local composting facility, she is exploring innovative solutions for sustainable waste management. Her work fosters connections between scientific research and community education, engaging local students and inspiring future generations of scientists.

2. Grace Kennedy
- Research Focus: Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington
- Kennedy's research focuses on understanding nitrogen cycling within coastal marine ecosystems. She studies how microbes convert toxic ammonia into essential nutrients, a crucial process that supports marine life. Her scholarship underscores her dedication to community involvement, as she collaborates with local fishermen and engages in educational programs that connect students with marine science. Additionally, she participates in the 'Skype a Scientist' initiative, which brings scientists into classrooms worldwide.

3. Hope Okunbor
- Research Focus: Plant Genetics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Okunbor's aim is to identify gene functions that can enhance the yield and resilience of cereal crops. By utilizing advanced gene-editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, her work has the potential to reduce reliance on chemical inputs and improve farming practices. Beyond her academic endeavors, she is committed to mentoring undergraduate students in molecular biology techniques and effectively communicating her research to local farmers, ensuring her findings reach those who can benefit from them directly.

The Significance of the Scholarship

Each scholarship recipient was awarded $2,025, a meaningful amount intended to support their research initiatives. According to Matthew Norton, the Product Marketing Manager for NEB's nucleic acid purification and synthetic biology product lines, the work of these recipients not only addresses pressing global issues but also exemplifies the vital role of nucleic acid purification in modern science.

The Monarch Nucleic Acid Purification Scholarship was launched in conjunction with the updated Monarch nucleic acid purification kits, signaling NEB's ongoing commitment to innovation and community involvement in scientific research.

For those interested in learning more about the scholarship and NEB's innovative products, additional information can be found at NEB's website.

About New England Biolabs

For more than 50 years, New England Biolabs has been at the forefront of molecular biology research, providing innovative products and supporting the scientific community through various initiatives. Guided by principles of sustainability and responsibility, NEB is committed to the well-being of its employees, the environment, and society as a whole. With a reach that spans globally from its headquarters in Ipswich, Massachusetts, to over 60 distribution partners worldwide, NEB continues to lead and inspire in the field of molecular biology.

To explore more about NEB's endeavors in molecular biology and community engagement, visit NEB's official website.