Medicinal Chemistry graduate student Ryan Seguin (Kent Kunze lab) has been awarded the prestigious Magnuson Scholarship for 2014-2015. The University names six Magnuson Scholars annually, one from each of the health sciences schools. Awardees are selected based on their academic performance and potential contributions to health sciences research.
Ryan joined Dr. Kent Kunze’s lab in 2011 and was selected as a trainee on the NIH-sponsored Pharmacological Sciences Training Grant. Dr. Kunze noted, “Ryan has the motivation, work ethic, and creativity to become a successful independent academic scientist.” As a Magnuson Scholar, Ryan will focus on research that he hopes will lead to the discovery of novel therapeutics or unveil the basis for enigmatic health disorders with few or no treatment options currently available. “The main driving force,” said Ryan, “is always to improve health and quality of life for others, either directly through development of treatment options, or indirectly by enhancing our understanding of drug targets, design, and metabolism.” In addition, Ryan continues teaching, mentoring, and spreading knowledge and enthusiasm for science.
“It is such an honor to be selected for this award,” said Ryan, “and I am excited for the opportunity to further my research and career. I am grateful to the Department of Medicinal Chemistry for the continuous support, and to my advisor, Kent Kunze, for his relentless enthusiasm and encouragement.”
Congratulations to Ryan on this well-deserved award!