New VCU Alumna Named NSF Graduate Research Fellow

By Tom Gresham

A new Virginia Commonwealth University graduate who will remain at the university to pursue graduate studies has received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

Serena Caplins, who is from Colorado Springs, graduated from VCU in May with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She will use the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to renew her studies at VCU in the fall, beginning the master’s degree program in biology. After she has received the master’s degree, she plans to enter a Ph.D. program in the field.

Caplins’ research focuses on aspects of evolutionary biology in marine invertebrates. In particular, she is studying the effects of mixed reproduction on fecundity, individual fitness and population genetic structure in the nemertean worm Prosorhochmus americanus. Caplins has worked on her research with her adviser J. Clint Turbeville, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, and will continue to work with Turbeville in the master’s program.

“Serena has a keen intellect, is highly motivated and enjoys the challenges of designing and conducting research projects and writing proposals and manuscripts,” Turbeville said. “Serena is a talented individual and possesses the talents and perseverance necessary to become a successful research scientist and educator. I am very pleased that she will pursue a MS degree in my laboratory.”

Before attending VCU, Caplins received an associate’s degree from Pikes Peak Community College in Colorado Springs.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides three years of financial support to students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the United States. Students receive a $30,000 annual stipend, a $10,500 cost-of-education allowance, international research and professional development opportunities and access to the TeraGrid Supercomputer.

Caplins applied for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship through a class at VCU designed to help students prepare application materials for the fellowship. The class, which is taught by James Vonesh, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, provided Caplins with an intellectually rigorous environment that was supportive and engaging during the application process.