John Tumberger and Gabi Shipman were named the Division of Biology’s Most Promising Student’s. Faculty nominated students for the award. Grades, rigor of academic program, extracurricular activities, recommendations by faculty and performance in an interview were factors used to determine the award winners. Division of Biology faculty sponsor the Most Promising Student Award and consider it to be one of the greatest honors bestowed on biology students at K-State. The winners are an accomplished group of students, representing the breadth of biology in their interests.
This is what members of the department had to say about our students:
Gabriela Shipman is a sophomore majoring in microbiology with a minor in philosophy from Lenexa. She is a member of the university honors program and also participated in K-State’s Swing and Salsa Club. She works in the research laboratory of Brad Olson, studying the origins of multicellularity. She is described as a “lab rat,” a student who loves to be in the lab. Shipman is an inquisitive and dedicated researcher with a very strong intellect and aptitude for thinking scientifically. She is planning to pursue a career as a research scientist.
John Tumberger is a sophomore in biology — human health biology option — with a minor in leadership from Overland Park. Tumberger works in the research lab of Brad Olson. He has pursued two projects, one related to the evolution of multicellularity and one to develop a SARS-CoV-2 drug. Through these projects, he consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and an excellent ability to use scientific literature, and he is making great progress in his research. Tumberger is philanthropy chair of the K-State Pre-Med Club and future chair of mentorship for the biology ambassador class of 2021-2022. He has volunteered with the American Red Cross and the Riley County Health Department. Tumberger is planning a career in medicine.
The Olson Lab 