Two rising seniors in the University Honors Program have been awarded scholarships for the coming year by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
Alharith Dameh, who will complete a B.S. in Neuroscience and a B.A. in Developmental Psychology, is interested in both understanding the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) such as autism and supporting the social and educational development of neurodivergent youth. To explore these issues, he has been conducting research in the Developmental Cognition and Neuroimaging Lab with Professor Damien Fair and the Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab with Professor Philip Zelazo. He also spent a semester with Professor David Largaespada’s lab in the Medical School studying the origin of nerve sheath tumors to better understand the role of genetics in the development of neural disorders. In addition to his research, Harith has been a teaching assistant for courses in Biology and Neuroanatomy and served on collegiate curriculum, mentoring and outreach committees. He was selected as a junior for the Tom Burnett Leadership Program and is the recipient of the Institute for Child Developmnt’s community engagement award. He plans to complete a PhD in Neuroscience and become a leader in NDD research and advocate for policies supporting research, healthcare, and educational innovation for children with NDDs.
Kalybe VanWatermeulen, a Neuroscience and Biochemistry major, is similarly committed to both hard science research and community outreach. In Professor Marija Cvetanovic’s lab he has studied the neurodegenerative disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, analyzing RNA-sequencing data to identify differentially expressed genes in the deep cerebellar nuclei of 154Q SCA1 mouse models. Using immunohistochemistry and florescent microscopy, he is investigating genes related to stress and neuroinflamation to understand how the brain defends itself. An enthusiastic proponent of chemistry, he has been a teaching assistant for the General Chemistry lab, and he has developed and executed educational outreach events with Alpha Chi Sigma. Kalybe also has a deep interest in the experience of foster youth, especially with regard to domestic violence and mental and emotional wellbeing. With the Advocates for Human Rights and the Kids at Risk Action Group he has observed court proceedings, conducted research, and written articles to support policy changes. His work has been recognized with a President’s Leadership and Service Award, and he will complete certification with the Community Engaged Scholars Program. He plans to complete a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and study the neurological effects of the long-term use of psychotropic medications.
Kalybe and Harith join Dilshan Rajan, a Psychology and Physiology major who received an Astronaut Scholarship last year and will be renewed for his senior year. Astronaut Scholarships are awarded to students at universities with historic ties to the space program. University of Minnesota alumnus Deke Slayton was one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts who founded the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation to prepare exceptional students for research careers in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Sophomores and juniors interested in applying must contact the Office of National and International Scholarships ([email protected]) about the application and nomination process.