Molecular Genetics major Noor Farag earned the award to complete research in the lab of Dr. Kudryashov in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. 

Molecular Genetics major Amanda Jay earned the award to complete research in the lab of Dr. Kendall at the Nationwide Children's Research Institute. 

These awards were funded by the Thomas J. Byers Memorial Fund

Dr. Thomas Jones Byers, came to OSU in 1964, as the University's first "molecular biologist." He was an original member and founder of the Molecular Genetics Department and the first director of the Graduate Program in Developmental Biology. Tom Byers' research concerned the cell growth, differentiation, and developmental biology of protozoa. Among other achievements, Byers was able to use DNA analysis to link the disease to contamination of contact lenses with the amoeba Acanthamoeba griffini from domestic tap water to the blinding disease Acanthamoeba keratitis. His research resulted in more than 40 articles and he was one of three editors of the book, Genetics and Biogenesis of Mitochondria and Chloroplasts (1975).

The Resolution of Memoriam by the OSU Board of Trustees, noted that Tom was a faculty member who had the remarkable ability to balance his skillful classroom teaching with his innovative research program and people-related service activities, while supporting junior faculty development, and mentoring new faculty and graduate students--especially those from minoritized groups.

The Thomas J. Byers fund was established June 1, 2007 with gifts from family, friends, and colleagues in memory of Dr. Thomas Jones Byers. Consider contributing to the fund here.