Camilla Edwards Awarded the Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award

Camilla Edwards, a Fischell Department of Bioengineering Ph.D. candidate and member of the Jewell Research Lab, was recently awarded the Ruth L. Kirschstein Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award.

The award, granted by the National Institutes of Health, enables promising predoctoral students with potential to develop into productive, independent research scientists, to obtain mentored research training while conducting their dissertation research.

“This prestigious national fellowship is a well-deserved recognition for Camilla and her research,” said Chris Jewell, Director of Jewell Lab, Minta Martin Professor, MPower Professor, and Fischell Institute Fellow. “She received an unheard-of perfect score on the application from the NIH panel—a testament to her rigor, hard work, and creativity. I am super proud of her!”

Edwards applied for the award because NIH support will position her well for her next career step as an independent research scientist.

“This award will support me in completing my Ph.D. work, which focuses on how different immune signals delivered directly to the skin can change responses locally, in immune organs, and throughout the entire body,” Edwards explained. “The award money will help me purchase lab supplies and use the necessary equipment for my research.”

Receiving the award will also demonstrate to future post-doc lab advisors and employers that she can design a rigorous and novel research project and gather sufficient preliminary data to support the proposal.

“I’m excited to have received this award,” said Edwards. “It took a lot of research and discussions with my lab mates to develop the research plan. My advisor, Dr. Jewell has been hugely helpful in helping me craft a compelling proposal and training development plan.”

Edwards said that she and Jewell already have a strong mentor-and-mentee relationship.

“I think the additional training will only bolster this relationship as I further refine my communication and confidence as a scientist,” she said. “My collaborator Stuart Martin, Fischell Fellow and University of Maryland School of Medicine Deputy Director & Associate Director of Basic Research at the Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, has also provided insight and support, for which I am grateful.“

Published January 4, 2024