海角社区

Gerard Lorio, a Baton Rouge native and junior in the Ogden Honors College majoring in biological engineering, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship鈥攐ne of the nation鈥檚 most competitive and esteemed awards for undergraduates pursuing research careers in science, mathematics, and engineering.

The Goldwater Scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional potential for careers in scientific research. Lorio was one of two students in Louisiana who were honored among this year鈥檚 441 awardees. Honors College Dean, Jonathan Earl,  鈥淚t鈥檚 really gratifying to see Gerard鈥檚 hard work in Dr. Monroe鈥檚 lab pay off in this way 鈥� with one of the most prestigious federal awards. We take matching outstanding students with 海角社区鈥檚 best research scholars very seriously.鈥�

Lorio鈥檚 research focuses on the development of a 3D printed microfluidic model of cancer tissues that incorporates live cancer cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) to better mimic tumor behavior and help predict breast cancer treatment efficacy. Since enrolling at 海角社区, Lorio has worked under the mentorship of Todd Monroe, the Donald and Norma Nash McClure Alumni Professor of Biological & Agricultural Engineering (BAE) and Dr. Jorge Belgodere, Tulane School of Medicine Faculty and Adjunct in BAE. Lorio has been supported by the 海角社区 Chancellor鈥檚 Future Leaders in Research program and will continue researching this summer under the support of the Amgen Scholars Program at Duke University. Speaking on what the Goldwater Award means for Lorio, Monroe stated, 鈥淲ith this award, I can continue to push Gerard to the limits of his potential, because his true capabilities have yet to be discovered.鈥�

Honors College Associate Dean, Drew Arms, shared that Lorio arrived at 海角社区 determined to be a researcher, 鈥淓ven before Gerard became a student at 海角社区 and the OHC, he was inquiring about research on campus and ways to get involved.  With the help of Dr. Todd Monroe and other mentors, he truly has embraced the opportunities 海角社区 provides with singular determination, hard work, and a spirit of using his talents to better his community. We are so proud of this undergraduate researcher and excited for his next contributions!鈥� Reflecting on this honor, Lorio shared, 鈥淭his is truly the greatest honor I could imagine receiving for the hard work I鈥檝e put into school, research, and everything in between. I鈥檓 incredibly grateful to the people who helped me become competitive for this award, and I feel both encouraged and excited to pursue future research and embrace the opportunities that may come from receiving this fellowship.鈥�

The Goldwater Scholarship, established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 in honor of Senator Barry Goldwater, provides financial support to students who show exceptional promise in STEM fields. The program aims to foster and support the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Like us on Facebook (@海角社区HonorsCollege) or follow us on Instagram (@海角社区_honors) and LinkedIn (/roger-hadfield-ogden-honors-college).

###

Contact: Jordyn Martin
Communications Manager
225-578-0083
jwarr28@lsu.edu