Congratulations to Cassandra Hayne who received a Merchant Scholarship Award from her alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa.
At the University of Northern Iowa, Merchant Scholarships are awarded from a trust established in 1951 to honor Frank Ivan Merchant (professor of Latin and Greek) and his sister Kate Merchant. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of ability, achievement, character, potential and service to society.
Cassandra earned her B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). She first received a Merchant Award when she graduated from UNI in 2011. She joined UNC immediately after receiving her undergraduate degree and has since been training in the lab of Saskia Neher, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Cassandra particularly enjoys protein biochemistry and structural biology and currently holds a pre-doctoral fellowship from the National Science Foundation. In addition to research, Cassandra is passionate about science outreach and service; currently, she serves as a graduate representative from the department to the Graduate School and has an active role in numerous student leadership committees for the university. She is well deserving again of recognition from her alma mater for her continued scholarly achievements and service to society.