News & Events

Christopher Lu, a 2023 graduate of the University of Rochester Biomedical Engineering BS program, has been awarded the highly competitive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP). The fellowship recognizes outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), or STEM education. Fellows are selected for their demonstrated potential to make significant contributions to research and are provided with three years of financial support, including an annual stipend.

The NSF GRFP aims to foster the vitality, quality, and diversity of the nation’s scientific and engineering workforce by supporting students early in their graduate training. The program also seeks to broaden participation from underrepresented groups in STEM fields, including women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

While at the University of Rochester, Lu conducted research in both the Lee Lab and McGRath Lab.  He is currently going into his third year as a PhD student at Boston University in the Banskota Lab. His research focuses on improving gene editing platforms by exploring the fundamental mechanisms behind the components of genome editors, and applying base editing delivered by engineered virus-like particles (eVLPs) to treat a pathogenic variant of wolfram syndrome laying the groundwork for development of similar therapies for neurodegenerative and monogenic disorders. 

Reflecting on the honor, Lu said, "It is amazing to feel that the resilience, ambition, and passion I have put into my research in the lab and my outreach initiatives were recognized! But I know the journey has just begun, I look forward to using the NSF GRFP to continue advancing science through my work in gene editing and inspiring others to pursue their own fruitful careers in STEM!" 

Congratulations to Christopher and all NSF GRFP recipients!

Related Links...

• _{NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)}
• _{All NSF GRFP Awardees and Honorable Mentions}
  
• _{Christopher Lu's Linkendin}
• _{Banskota Lab}
• _{Christohper Lu Featured Researcher}
• _{Lee Lab}
• _{McGrath Lab}
• _{BME Department's social media accounts:}