Bill Sykes Scholars Program
A unique environment for graduate training in pathobiology and translational science…
Bill Sykes Scholarship in Pathobiology and Translational Science
Nobuyo N. Maeda, Ph.D.
Robert H. Wagner Distinguished Professor of Pathology
and Laboratory Medicine
Oliver Smithies, D.Phil.
Weatherspoon Eminent Distinguished Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
The Bill Sykes Scholars Program in Pathobiology and Translational Science was established by Dr. Nobuyo Maeda and Dr. Oliver Smithies in memory of Dr. Smithies parents to support the training of exceptional graduate students in Pathobiology and Translational Science during their first year. Dr. Smithies’ Father’s name was Bill and his Mother’s maiden name was Sykes. The funds to support this scholarship are derived from several patents that are held by Drs. Maeda and Smithies. These patents are related to technology for genetically manipulating mice, for which Dr. Smithies was awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. All applicants to the Pathobiology and Translational Science Ph.D. program will be considered for this distinction.
Current Bill Sykes Scholar in Pathobiology and Translational Science
Weiwei Zhang, MBBS
We are pleased to share that the 2025 Bill Sykes Scholar recipient is Weiwei Zhang, MBBS, a graduate student in the lab of Dr. Jiangdong Liu.
This award continues to support and uplift outstanding students in the Pathobiology and Translational Sciences program. Dina’s dedication to research, intellectual curiosity, and thoughtful approach to science represent the level of excellence this distinction was created to celebrate.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support. Your commitment helps nurture the next generation of scientists, and the legacy behind the Bill Sykes Scholars Program continues to inspire and empower future scientists as they grow, discover, and make their mark.
About Weiwei Zhang
Weiwei is a PhD student studying in the regulation of cardiac fibrosis in Dr. Jiandong Liu’s lab. She earned her undergraduate degree in Clinical Medicine from Nankai University (China), where she also completed a master’s degree in Internal Medicine. During her medical training, she obtained both the Chinese Physician Qualification Certificate and the Beijing Municipal Standardized Residency Training Certificate in Internal Medicine. Her master’s research focused on a small molecule drug regulating cellular senescence and inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis. Outside the lab, Weiwei enjoys sports and reading.
Past Bill Sykes Scholars
2024: Dina O’Connell
2023: Molly Parrish, B.S.
2017: Abigail Shelton, B.S.
2015: Haley Vaseghi, B.S.
2015: Qiang Zhu, M.D., M.S.
2014: Rachel Dee, B.S.
2006: Rupan Sandhu, Ph.D.
2003: Char Nevus, Ph.D.
2002: Tom Mullen, Ph.D.
2001: Lea Beaulieu, Ph.D.
1998: Alice Yamada, Ph.D.
Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program