Maya Mileck
Plant and Microbial Biology
Advisor: Professor Peggy Lemaux
The first Zhang award, the first HUGS (Helping Undergraduate Students), was given through SPUR to Genetics and Plant Biology Major, Maya Mileck. Because of her interests in easing the plight of the developing world, Maya is working on an honor's research project to improve the nutrition of sorghum, a key food for 300 million Africans.
"Without a program like SPUR, I would never have approached a faculty member to ask to participate in their research project."
Maya Mileck
Reflections: SPUR recipients receive a list of faculty members and project descriptions to choose a project of interest. I know it is possible to contact faculty directly, but without a program like SPUR, I would never have approached a faculty member to ask to participate in their research project. The Lemaux lab was amazing and everyone was friendly and knowledgeable which made it a great environment for learning.