Rachel Sternberg '16 was recently awarded a Libraries Student Research Prize for excellence in scholarship and research.
Sternberg, a biology major, was recognized for her review "Similarities and Differences in the Cohesinopathies of Roberts Syndrome and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome." Sternberg wrote the review as part of her independent research project in the lab of Professor Robert Skibbens. Library Prize reviewers lauded this paper’s mastery of complex mechanisms underpinning two rare genetic disorders. Professor Skibbens similarly stated that her review summarized in a clear and concise fashion the complex genetic basis of two highly related severe birth defect maladies, a topic at the heart of Rachel's efforts in the Skibbens lab. “I seldom invite Sophomores into my lab to pursue independent research, said Skibbens, “but her presentation in the SEA Phage research symposium, under the guidance of Professor Vassie Ware and Dr. Meg Kenna, was quite impressive. When Rachel asked to join my lab, I was delighted and she has been a wonderful addition to the lab.”
A native of Wayne, PA, Rachel will attend the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine after graduating. She volunteers as an organic chemistry tutor at St. Luke’s Hospital, and with HEARTSlink, a health initiative serving uninsured Bethlehem residents. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and an accomplished equestrienne, competing in the northeast and Florida hunter/jumper circuits.
Sponsored by Library and Technology Services and the Friends of the Libraries, the Prize recognizes excellence in undergraduate scholarship and the use of library and research resources.
-Stacy Kimmel-Smith
