The Schwirck Fellowship was established in memory of Scott Neil Schwirck by his family and friends. Scott, a member of the Class of 1993, had an enthusiasm for science that was acknowledged by his receiving several student research distinctions, including the Holderness Medical Fellowship, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute-National Institutes of Health Research Scholars grant, and membership in the John B. Graham Medical Student Research Society. Scott's classmates honored his good character by selecting him to receive the William deB. MacNider Award posthumously.

The fellowship will recognize students who demonstrate the qualities that Scott possessed: curiosity, intellectual vigor, enthusiasm for science and research and, above all, a desire to help others. A prize of $2,500 will be awarded to support the research efforts of a medical student.

A medical school faculty committee will select the recipient of the fellowship. The committee is composed of four to five members of the medical school faculty representing the basic science and clinical areas. The fellowship will be presented on January 25, 2006 at the Student Research Day Banquet.

To be considered for this opportunity, a student must give an application packet to Suzanne Marchionini in 231 MacNider by Tuesday, January 3, 2006. It should contain:

1. A detailed description of the proposed research project that outlines the following:
a) the purpose;
b) the background and significance;
c) the expected beginning date and date of completion.

2. A letter from the research preceptor indicating the preceptor's support and willingness to assist in arranging the proposed research experience.

3. A copy of your CV

Recipients of the Scott Neil Schwirck Fellowship for Medical Student Research must complete their research before receiving the M.D. degree. Students who have received a Ph.D. degree may not apply. Recipients must agree to submit a written report of their research experiences to the Scott Neil Schwirck Fellowship for Medical Student Research Committee. If needed, a stop may be placed on the recipient's records pending receipt of this report.

Recipients of the Scott Neil Schwirck Fellowship for Medical Student Research are eligible to receive other awards or funding concurrent with this fellowship. The recipient may receive elective credit for the research, provided that the student has taken the necessary steps to qualify for academic credit.