MACON — Mercer University Senior Ryan Brownlee of Flowery Branch was recently awarded a Pioneer Award worth $1,000 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Brownlee, who was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2021, is one of 50 students nationwide to receive the award.
Brownlee, a biochemistry and molecular biology double major with plans to continue his studies in molecular and cellular biology through a graduate degree program after graduation, said he’s honored to be recognized.
“I have been very blessed and am thankful to have had so many supportive mentors over my four years here at Mercer,” he said. “Each of my faculty mentors has made significant contributions to my life and especially to my research endeavors, career choice and service involvements. I’d like to thank each of them and all of the Mercer faculty for the time and effort they have invested that allowed me to achieve a recognition such as this.”
The Pioneer Awards, in its inaugural year, are designed to encourage and reward undergraduate members for developing the research, engagement and leadership skills necessary to become a successful scholar.
“Ryan is a dedicated and determined student who strives to get the most out of his education,” said Dr. Christy C. Bridges, interim chair and professor in Mercer University School of Medicine’s biomedical sciences department. “He has worked in my laboratory for two years, and he is engaged and interested in the project. He has successfully presented his research findings in several forums across the Southeast. It has been a pleasure having him in my lab.”
The selection process for a Pioneer Award is based on the applicant’s academic achievement, honors and awards, relevant research experience, service and leadership experience on and off campus, a personal statement and a letter of recommendation.
The Pioneer Award is the newest addition to the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which gives $1.3 million each year to outstanding students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives. Phi Kappa Phi is proud to offer an award exclusively for undergraduates and this program is a welcome addition to the Society’s portfolio.
About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.
