Posted: May 6, 2022
Laura Kaminsky, a doctoral student in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2021-22 Alumni Association Dissertation Award.
Laura Kaminsky
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Laura Kaminsky, a doctoral student in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, has been selected as a recipient of the 2021-22 Alumni Association Dissertation Award.
The award is among the most prestigious awards available to Penn State graduate students and includes a monetary award to the recipient. Each year, an estimated total of 14 students from across all disciplines at Penn State are selected to receive an Alumni Association Dissertation Award. Kaminsky is one of two plant pathology graduate students to receive this award in the past 20 years of award history dating back to 2002.
Kaminsky’s research is focused on the factors that lead to the unpredictable establishment of microbial products. Ultimately, she aims to understand whether we can modify microbial products to increase their efficacy and value to farmers.
“This award symbolizes the incredible amount of work and creativity that Laura has put into her thesis. She has been a model student. I'm very grateful for her contributions to this work and to our group overall,” said Terrence Bell, assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology.
Kaminsky’s achievements were recognized at The Graduate School Alumni Society's Recognition Reception on March 26, as well as The Graduate School's Student Awards Luncheon on April 12.
The Alumni Association Dissertation Award is made possible through a generous endowment established by Penn State's Alumni Association.
