Story and photo by April Mulherin, assistant director of media relations
(Spring 2008 issue)

Eighteen students have been named spring and summer 2008 Michael D. Wilson Research Scholars by the UMF Undergraduate Research Council. The awards are funded by a generous gift from Michael and Susan Angelides of Stonington, Conn., in honor of their good friend Michael D. Wilson ’76, who died shortly after graduating.

Since the Wilson Research Scholar and Fellow Program was inaugurated last year, 31 students have been awarded funding.

“We are so proud of the continuing growth of the Wilson Program and our students’ pursuit of academic excellence,” said UMF President Theodora J. Kalikow. “Undergraduate research enhances the educational experience for the entire University and provides increased opportunities for faculty-student collaboration and pre-professional participation in a student’s chosen field.”

The spring and summer 2008 Wilson Research Scholars are Nathaniel Burns, Jessica Dorr, Meghan Dzyak, Mary Ellms, Allison Giguere, Janna Gilbert, Matthew Humer, Matthew Lariviere, Melissa Lyons, Matthew Nichols, Abby Pettitt, Jacques Rancourt, Randall Rothert, Vincent Rubino, Nicole Schoppee, Trevor Spangle, Christopher Stevens and D. Jamez Terry.

Michael and Susan Angelides also supported Michael D. Wilson Symposium on April 15-16, when students presented their undergraduate research and creative achievements during a campus-wide celebration.

Details of each Wilson Scholar’s research project are available at www.farmington.edu/news/release.php?id=3921.

Photo Caption: UMF’s spring and summer 2008 Michael D. Wilson Research Scholars (left to right) first row: Allison Giguere, Mary Ellms. Second row: Randall Rothert, Melissa Lyons, Abby Pettitt, Vincent Rubino. Third row: Matthew Humer, D. Jamez Terry, Janna Gilbert, Nicole Schoppee, Christopher Stevens. Fourth row: Matthew Lariviere, Trevor Spangle. Fifth row: Matthew Nichols, Nathaniel Burns. Not Pictured: Jessica Dorr, Meghan Dzyak, Jacques Rancourt.