DURHAM, N.C – Duke University’s Scholars in Marine Medicine program, which offers an interdisciplinary research experience for pre-health majors interested in marine biology or environmental science, recently announced eleven new members, nearly quadrupling the three scholars selected last year.

Students who are selected for the program generally have experience working in a lab environment and a passion for the unique combination of marine science and medicine.

The program allows students to take part in faculty-mentored research and gain valuable scientific training as they work toward completing a senior honors thesis and receiving Graduation with Distinction honors. Many of the scholars will submit their honors thesis for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Students can also apply for up to $5,500 in funding for travel courses, conference expenses and research.

Scholars in Marine Medicine will spend at least one semester at the Duke University Marine Lab campus in Beaufort, N.C., and one or more semesters at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham.

The new Scholars in Marine Medicine are:

• Alexandra Bennion – a first-year undeclared major
• Cameron Bozdog – a sophomore biology major
• Ella Gunady – a junior biomedical engineering major
• Joy Lu – a sophomore biology major
• Abbey Milwicz – a junior biology major
• Bea Schleupner – a junior biology major
• Jake Spruance – a first-year undeclared major
• Serafina Turner – a junior biology major
• Zack Weishampel – a junior biology major
• Tristan Westover – a junior biology major
• Justin Yang – a junior biomedical engineering major