MACON, Ga. — Mercer University 2025 graduate Carter Murdaugh has been named one of 48 Phi Kappa Phi Fellows nationwide and will receive $8,500 for his first year of graduate study at Florida State University.
Murdaugh, who received his Bachelor of Science degree during May’s commencement, majored in biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in music. While at Mercer, he spent two and a half years conducting research in the lab of Dr. Kerry Strickland, assistant professor of chemistry.
“What made Carter such an excellent researcher was his intellectual abilities, his studious nature and his resiliency,” said Dr. Strickland. “Carter was excited to tackle every problem he approached in research and even maintained that enthusiasm after failure. He viewed the failure as a learning opportunity and a challenge to overcome.”
Murdaugh, from Springfield, was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi earlier this year.
“I feel very blessed to have been awarded this fellowship, and I am profoundly grateful to all those who have helped push me throughout my time at Mercer,” he said. “It is because of the faith and opportunities given to me by my professors, mentors, friends and family that I was able to grow into a student worthy of winning this fellowship. I can’t find enough words to express my gratitude.”
At Mercer, Murdaugh was also a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Gamma Sigma Epsilon chemistry honor society and Beta Beta Beta biological honor society, and he was awarded the Franklin James Scholarship in Chemistry. He was also a member of the Mercerian Experience Team for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and was a Mercer Ambassador, and he was a member of the wind ensemble, jazz band and University band. This past summer, he began working toward a Ph.D. in chemistry from Florida State University.
About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Its chapters are on more than 300 campuses in the U.S. and the Philippines. Each year, more than 30,000 members are initiated. Since its founding, the honor society has initiated more than 1.5 million members into its ranks.
