Georgia Southern College of Science and Mathematics senior wins scholarship

July 18, 2018

Kenneth Richardson, a senior biochemistry major at the Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus in Savannah, has been named a 2018 American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholar. Richardson said the scholarship will help him soon begin his career path.

“Receiving the ACS Scholars award is a huge step in the direction of becoming a better biochemist and pursuing my career in the pharmaceutical sciences,” Richardson said.

Richardson was referred for the scholarship by Sarah Zingales, Ph.D., his research mentor and assistant professor of chemistry at the Armstrong Campus.

“Since Spring 2017, Kenneth has worked in my medicinal chemistry research laboratory on a project creating new molecules as potential treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease,” Zingales said. “Kenneth has put in a lot of time and effort and has really grown in his chemistry knowledge and skill. I am very proud of his work and am excited that he has been recognized with this prestigious award.”

Richardson said the scholarship allows him to be seen as a leader in both his personal and professional communities.

“It allows me to represent and inspire rising African-American male scientists in my community and throughout the world that I have yet to impact through my career goals,” Richardson said.

Richardson said Zingales was the first person he told after learning that he was selected.

“I immediately ran to Dr. Z’s office, informed her of the exiting news and thanked her for writing my letter of recommendation for my application,” Richardson said.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be of African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino or Native American heritage; a U.S. citizen or permanent resident; enrolled full-time in high school or college; have a science GPA of 3.0 or higher; and demonstrate financial need according to FAFSA and SAR. The ACS Scholars Program Committee chooses scholars based on academics, career goals, extracurricular and community service involvement, and leadership skills.

Richardson said the award is a representation of all of the late hours and hard work he has put in during his time in college.

“I am beginning to see the payoff of those restless late nights studying in the Learning Commons, working up to 30 hours a week at Starbucks, performing organic chemistry in my research lab after classes, doing odd-jobs of community service and especially staying caffeinated,” Richardson said.