Congratulations to doctoral student Michelle Wiley on receiving the 2015-16 Christopher and Catherine Mathews Graduate Fellowship in the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics.
Currently in the second year of her doctoral program, Michelle is working with Assistant Professor David Hendrix on computational methods for identifying structural domains and predicting functional roles of long noncoding RNAs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and mathematics from the University of Idaho.
The endowed fellowship was established this year by a gift from Biochemistry & Biophysics Emeritus Distinguished Professor Chris Mathews and his wife Kate. The award is based on academic merit, teaching acumen and research potential.
“Strong financial support for graduate students has a direct impact on the College of Science’s ability to attract the best and brightest students,” said Sastry G. Pantula, Dean of the College of Science. “I am deeply grateful to Chris and Kate Mathews for their tremendous generosity.”
“They both serve as excellent role models, mentors and friends to biochemistry & biophysics faculty, alumni and students.“
Dr. Mathews is an internationally recognized leader in biochemistry with a focus on enzymology, virology, and genetics. He has received significant attention for his work with nucleotide and coenzyme metabolism, DNA synthesis and replication and nucleic acid enzymology.
Dr. Mathews was a professor and chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics as well as an OSU Distinguished Professor. While chair, he successfully grew the department while continuing his own research into enzymatic reactions, publishing several successful textbooks, teaching and mentoring graduate and postdoctoral students.
After 24 years of service to OSU, Dr. Mathews retired in 2002, but continues to be an active researcher, author and mentor in the department.
