In 2003, Dr. Eldridge, an MCG alumni, established the Outstanding STAR Student Award to recognize and promote outstanding undergraduate research accomplishments and scientific potential. In 2005, he established an endowment fund to sustain and promote this award.

Each Summer STAR session, one or more STAR participant(s) are selected as the recipient of the Outstanding STAR Student Award honoring outstanding undergraduate research and recognizing overall scientific potential. This $150 award(s) is sponsored by Dr. Charles Eldridge, a grateful alumnus of The Graduate School.

Dr. Eldridge had been sponsoring the award(s) anonymously since 2003. In 2005 he established an endowment fund to sustain and promote this award with the hope of providing encouragement for young undergraduate students to prepare for careers in academic teaching and research.

He believes in STAR.

The STAR program is a valuable way for energetic young people to experience the excitement of research in a safe way, while learning if that world is calling them.
- Dr. Charles Eldridge, STAR Donor and Augusta University Alumnus

The intent of the award(s) is to recognize an undergraduate with exceptional potential as a biomedical researcher who has a committed interest in pursuing continued education and training in biomedical research.


Selection Process

Nomination
A letter or nomination by the STAR mentor is written.

Accomplishments
Research accomplishments as assessed by the participant's mentor and as evaluated by a judging committee of the participant's poster and poster presentation.

Interactions
Contributions and interactions during STAR workshops and events.

Previous Award Winners

photo of MARTINA VEIT ACOSTA

MARTINA VEIT ACOSTA

  • 2023
photo of Mindy Klaus

Mindy Klaus

  • 2022
photo of Lindsey Greene

Lindsey Greene

  • 2021
photo of Riley Kendall & Nada Ahmed Selim

Riley Kendall & Nada Ahmed Selim

  • 2019 - 2nd and 1st Place
photo of Alison Grodnick & Orneika Flandrin

Alison Grodnick & Orneika Flandrin

  • 2018 - 1st and 2nd Place
photo of Justin Ashby & Samantha Lee

Justin Ashby & Samantha Lee

  • 2017 - 1st Place
photo of Lilly Bender & Alice Ma

Lilly Bender & Alice Ma

  • 2017 - 2nd Place
photo of Tiffany Robinson & Rahim Hirani

Tiffany Robinson & Rahim Hirani

  • 2016 - 1st Place
photo of Sushobhna Batra & Thomas Barrett

Sushobhna Batra & Thomas Barrett

  • 2015 - 1st Place
photo of Beth Burgess

Beth Burgess

  • 2014 - 1st Place
photo of Maggie Bosley

Maggie Bosley

  • 2013 - 1st Place
photo of Grace Dougherty

Grace Dougherty

  • 2012 - 1st Place
photo of Kate Griewisch

Kate Griewisch

  • 2011 - 1st Place
photo of K. Craig Atkins

K. Craig Atkins

  • 2010 - 1st Place
photo of Tiffany Pham

Tiffany Pham

  • 2009 - 1st Place

The Graduate School

The Graduate School at Augusta University facilitates ground-breaking research and ensures outstanding education. We create an environment that embraces and empowers the next generation of scholars and investigators, supports faculty and staff, and fosters meaningful relationships and collaborations among students across our programs and colleges.

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