WASHINGTON – Howard University senior Kameron Walker, a member of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program, has been selected to receive the National Science Foundation fellowship that recognizes and supports the research-based pursuit of graduate degrees in STEM fields.

“On behalf of the Howard University community, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Kameron Walker on her appointment to become a National Science Foundation fellow, said President Wayne A. I. Frederick. “This prestigious award demonstrates her commitment to excellence and we look forward to her continued success as she pursues her graduate studies.”

Walker will use the Graduate Research Fellowship Program to further her scientific explorations into cancer research. She has been most interested in studying inflammatory pathways that may have involvement in cancer. Walker will pursue a doctorate degree in the Driskell Graduate Program in Life Sciences at Northwestern University.

Walker, of San Jose, California, is studying biology and chemistry at Howard University. She initiated her research activity in the biology lab of biology professor Michael Thomas, Ph.D. Walker said she hopes to become a professor in the future and lead her own research lab, like Thomas.

“At Howard University, I was able to become who I am and to see the significance of science beyond academia,” Walker said. “I knew no other school would be able to provide that. It meant the world to me be supported and helped by people who looked like me.”

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program includes three years of financial support. The program includes an annual stipend to the student and a cost-of-education allowance to be applied toward their future graduate studies. Students in the program work toward master’s or doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

As the oldest graduate fellowship of its kind, the Graduate Research Fellowship Program has a long history of selecting recipients who go on to achieve high levels of success in their academic and professional careers. The reputation of the GRFP follows recipients and often helps them become lifelong leaders who contribute significantly to both scientific innovation and teaching. Past fellows include numerous Nobel Prize winners, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, and Google founder, Sergey Brin.

Since 2017, the Karsh STEM Scholars Program has been home to some of the University’s most talented students, many of whom are student researchers and interns at STEM-related organizations across the world. The program aims to challenge students, through rigorous coursework and preparation, to contribute their talents to a world that is increasingly diverse.

About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

Media Contact: Sholnn Freeman, senior communications specialist, sholnn.freeman@howard.edu