Four of this year’s eight Jonas E. Salk Scholarships were awarded to Queens College (QC) students.
The scholarships are awarded annually by the City University of New York (CUNY) to students who plan on pursuing medical studies. According to CUNY, the Salk Scholarships “recognizes the high ability and scholarship of students who plan careers in medicine and the biological sciences, and who are judged likely to make significant contributions to medicine and research.”
“To receive half of the Salk Scholarships that CUNY awarded this year is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Queens College President James Muyskens. “We are proud of these four students’ academic excellence and public service and are confident they will continue to excel, whether they serve as healers or scientists.”
Scholarship winner Miriam Herschman majored in history and minored in chemistry. She graduated from Queens College summa cum laude in September of 2009 and is now a graduate student there. She will continue her studies at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
Herschman wants to become a clinician and researcher. In a statement to the scholarship judges, Herschman said, “I am determined to incorporate research into my clinical practice. In doing so I believe I can extend the best possible care to my patients.”
QC 2010 graduate Daniel Lubelski majored in neuroscience biology and psychology. He will now attend the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University.
“I know that as a physician I will be able to help others, thereby giving my life meaning and purpose,” Lebelski’s statement to the judges said.
Along with being a biology and anthropology major, Zahava Rubel also studied at QC’s Aaron Copland School of Music. Following her recent graduation from QC, Rubel will now attend the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“My passion for science, medicine and the human body, combined with the skill set I have gained from music, continue to drive me forward in my quest to become a doctor,” Rubel wrote.
As a QC undergraduate, Sara Wildstein received a System Biology Center of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine research fellowship. She will continue her studies at the Stony Brook University School of Medicine.
Wildstein, who also graduated last month, wrote to the judges, “My solid foundation in the biomedical sciences will enable me as a physician to administer the best course of treatment for my patients.”
