OSU graduate receives NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Hard work and determination have paid off in a big way for a recent Oklahoma State University graduate.

Elizabeth Casey, a biosystems engineering major, was recently named the recipient of a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in December 2006 and is currently attending Purdue University, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in agricultural and biological engineering.

Casey said the application process was rather lengthy and involved. She had to write three essays, a personal statement and indicate her research experience.

“I also had to provide a research proposal,” Casey said. “My proposal was working on improving ethanol yield from lignocellulosic material. This is basically producing ethanol from agricultural waste such as corn stover.”

Casey will receive a $30,000 stipend each year for the three-year program and a $10,000 tuition allotment.

The NSF aims to ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the United States and to reinforce its diversity by offering approximately 1,000 graduate fellowships in this competition. The Graduate Research Fellowship provides three years of support for graduate study leading to research-based master’s or doctoral degrees. It is intended for students in the early stages of their graduate study. 

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program invests in graduate education for a cadre of diverse individuals who demonstrate their potential to complete graduate degree programs in disciplines relevant to the mission of the National Science Foundation.

Casey said she believes her application was strong because of the research experience she gained at OSU.

“Elizabeth benefited from a wealth of enrichment experiences at OSU. As a freshman, she worked on a project that examined the properties of watermelon juice. Through the Food and Ag Products Center, she was exposed to additional food products and processes,” said Ron Elliott, department head, biosystems and agricultural engineering. “Elizabeth was a key member of a student design/build team that won first place in a national competition, and served as team leader for her capstone Senior Design project. In May 2005, Elizabeth participated in the BAE-sponsored study abroad course in Italy. She interned in process engineering with two companies — Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in Pennsylvania, and CP Kelco in Oklahoma.

“In addition to being an outstanding student and scholar, Elizabeth was very involved in campus and professional activities. She is definitely what we would refer to as an ‘engaged’ student. Elizabeth has a very bright future and will continue to make OSU proud.”

Following completing her master’s degree, Casey plans to pursue a career in some area of ethanol production.

Casey is a 2002 graduate of Union High School in Tulsa and is the daughter of Dennis and Monica Casey.