Contact: Bob Ratliff
Betsy M. Chesnutt
A Mississippi State biological engineering major who graduates in May is a 2002 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow.
Betsy M. Chesnutt's fellowship totals $96,000, including $21,500 annually for three years of graduate study, plus up to $10,500 a year for tuition and fees. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mann Jr. of Fulton.
Her selection marks the third consecutive year an MSU biological engineering major has received the prestigious honor. Allison Kirkpatrick of Gadsden, Ala., and Dana L. Nettles of Batesville received NSF awards in 2000, while Melissa Knight of Bay St. Louis was chosen last year.
Chesnutt was among more than 6,000 students who applied this year for the 900 NSF awards. Selections are based on academic achievement, Graduate Record Exam scores and the applicant's research proposal.
Directed by associate professor Joel Bumgardner, Chesnutt's research involves the effects of mechanical strain on cells grown on metallic surfaces and bioactive coatings. Her investigation has applications for joint replacement therapies and dental implants that use metal alloys.
After receiving a bachelor's degree in May, the 1998 Itawamba County Agricultural High School graduate plans to begin work on a master's in biomedical engineering.