UNIVERSITY NEWS - JUNE 2003

MEDIA CONTACT: Debra Kain
561-297-2010, dkain@fau.edu or
Aileen Izquierdo
561-297-2442, izquierd@fau.edu

FAU Graduate Student Researcher to Receive
Fellowship from Environmental Protection Agency

BOCA RATON, FL (June 16, 2003) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that Florida Atlantic University graduate student Jamie Frenz will received a STAR (Science to Achieve Results) fellowship of nearly $26,000 a year for the next three years. The stipend will be used to pay for her graduate assistantship, tuition, and research and travel expenses.

The EPA receives an average of 1,300 applications each year for the popular STAR Graduate Fellowship program. Established in 1995, the grant program was designed to enable the nation's best scientists and engineers to explore new ways to safeguard the environment and protect public health. The agency awarded 50 fellowships for the upcoming school year.

Ms. Frenz is a doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry and works in the research lab of Dr. Russell Kerr. The primary aim of her research is to identify the key steps in the biosynthesis of a promising anti-cancer agent derived from marine coral. The development of a viable production method for this agent would ensure a continued supply of this natural product, while saving delicate reef environments off the South Florida coast from the harmful effects of large-scale collections.
-FAU -