David L. Urdal, Ph.D., the namesake for this award, is a talented and innovative leader in science. His commitment to research and development led to the discovery and commercialization of cancer therapeutics at Dendreon, where he was Chief Scientific Officer from 1995 – 2011 and also at Immunex, where he held multiple leadership positions from 1982 – 1995. He also has close professional and personal connections with the University of Washington, which led to the establishment of this endowed research fund recognizing the importance of innovation and research in transforming people’s lives.
This fellowship will be used to pay costs associated with attending scientific courses/workshops or to travel to a specific laboratory with unique expertise in a technique required for a student’s dissertation work. It will provide a portion of the cost of travel and/or registration. Fellowships will be awarded to 2nd, 3rd and 4th year graduate students in labs where the advisor’s principal appointment is in Biochemistry. Graduate students may receive the award once during their graduate career. The fellowship goal is to make it possible for students to obtain sophisticated experimental training that will enhance graduate studies in the Department of Biochemistry.
To apply, submit an application explaining how the course/workshop will enhance graduate research in biochemistry. Describe the techniques that will be learned and how they will benefit your education and research goals. Also, provide the anticipated total costs associated with attending the workshop. All recipients of this award must provide a description of the information they learned in the form of a thank you letter addressed to Dr. Urdal. Applications will be considered on a first come first serve basis, but please apply well in advance. Please email Tonya Hirtzel at skuse@uw.edu once you submit your application.
The review committee consists of two faculty members (Susan Brockerhoff and Suzanne Hoppins) and one graduate student (TBD).
