Michelle Soltero has been chosen to receive this year’s Sigrid Leirmo Memorial Award in Biochemistry

Photo of Michelle Soltero

The award, provided by funds given in memory of Dr. Leirmo by her husband, consists of $250, and will be awarded at the departmental poster session on February 7. The award is designated for a graduate or postdoctoral student who best exemplifies the spirit of Sigrid Leirmo, who received her Ph.D. degree in the Department of Biochemistry in 1989 and was a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Bacteriology when she died tragically in an accident in October 1990. Dr. Leirmo was widely acknowledged among her fellow students and colleagues both as a promising researcher and as an enthusiastic friend and mentor. The award is to be given to a postdoctoral or graduate student who displays clear promise as a research scientist. Most importantly, the award is to be designated in appreciation of the student's consistent willingness to contribute to the intellectual and technical potential of his or her fellow students and colleagues through selfless help of others.

Michelle Soltero, who is a fifth year graduate student in the laboratory of Dr. Laura Kiessling, should receive her Ph.D. degree in Spring Semester 2004. The results of her research, which has been focused on the flavoprotein UDP-galactofuranose mutase, are being prepared for publication. Michelle was cited for her genuine interest in the work of others and willingness to help them in an unselfish manner. She has been a member of the Student Faculty Liaison Committee for all of her time in Grad School, and instigated the very successful first annual Departmental Art Show last year. She is currently planning the second annual art show, and has been organizing the biennial Life Sciences Careers Day.