More Learning Ahead

Leandra Bryant ’25 believes that by studying somewhat mysterious microscopic marine parasites, she can discover ways to improve global health. The National Science Foundation believes it’s worth checking out: it awarded Bryant the prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship to pursue her studies at the graduate level.

NSF awarded 1,300 fewer of these fellowships than expected this year, reported Leigh Pratt, director of UNH’s Office of National Fellowships, making this an exceedingly competitive year.

A dual major in biomedical sciences: medical microbiology and world languages and a 2024 McNair Scholar, Bryant worked at UNH with Elizabeth Harvey, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. She’s beginning her doctorate in molecular and cellular biology at Boston College this fall. During her time at UNH, Bryant was awarded the Carl M. Gahan ’53 Scholarship and the Austin and Winona Hubbard Scholarship, and received support from the Endowment for International Studies.

Bryant explains that understanding the survival strategies of the parasites, Syndiniales, could offer new insights into bloom dynamics and uncover overlooked factors influencing marine food web stability.

“My goal is to study parasitology in depth, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms parasites use to infect and survive within their hosts,” she says. “I hope to apply this knowledge to advance global health in developing countries where parasitic infections disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.”

Sarah Nicholls ’25 has been awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, becoming the first UNH student to ever receive the award. Approximately 25 such scholarships are offered to U.S. students each year.

Nicholls will be pursuing a Ph.D. in medical science at the University of Cambridge, focusing her research on the protein tau, which is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease.

“It’s one of my biggest dreams come true — and also, to some extent, a responsibility to uphold the principles of the Gates Cambridge Trust and do my best to make the world a better place,” says Nicholls, who majored in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. “I’m thrilled to begin working in a field that I find fascinating and has the potential to help a huge number of people.”

Last year, Nicholls was awarded a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, the nation’s premier undergraduate award for science, math, engineering and technology (STEM) majors who plan to pursue a Ph.D. and have a career in research. During her time at UNH, Nicholls also received the Basil and Alice Johnson Scholarship, the Eugene Lewis and Mavis Howard Foster Class of 1944 Scholarship and a COLSA Undergraduate Scholarship.

She says she is excited to study at Cambridge, one of the leading institutions in the world in Alzheimer’s research.

“I’m honored by the faith that those at the Gates Foundation, the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and here at UNH have put in me, and I hope to make them proud.”