March 26, 2009

Jocelyn Gipson. Download image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Jocelyn Gipson, 21, of Aliceville, a student in the UAB University Honors Program, has won a United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship Award for 2009-2010. The award is presented by the UNCF and the Merck Institute for Science Education.

In addition to receiving a scholarship of up to $35,000, UNCF-Merck scholarship winners are mentored by Merck scientists and participate in two Merck Summer Research Internships. During her internships, Gipson will work in the process chemistry department at the Merck facility in Rahway, N.J.

Gipson is junior majoring in biology and chemistry. In 2008, under the direction of UAB Assistant Professor of Chemistry Sadanandan Velu Ph.D., she worked on a study examining the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Gipson is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Golden Key International Honors Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, UAB Multicultural Scholars Program and Who's Who Among College Students.

She is the daughter of Ike and Lawanda Gipson of Aliceville.