Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Navigation Skip to Footer
UNG Logo
  • Info For...
    • Accepted Students
    • Current Students
    • Parents & Family
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Business & Community
    • International Students
  • Quicklinks
    • Directories
    • myUNG
    • Academic Catalogs
    • Athletics
    • Banner
    • Bookstore
    • Calendars
    • Campuses & Maps
    • Continuing Education
    • D2L
    • Employment / HR
    • IT Service Desk
    • Libraries
    • UNG Foundation
  • Admissions
  • Corps of Cadets
  • Academics
  • Cost & Aid
  • Student Life
  • News & Events
  • Athletics
  • About Us

Find the most up-to-date information on the Presidential Search site.

Newsroom
  • All Articles
  • Media Relations Contact
  • Expert Guide
  • Points of Pride
  • Magazine
  • Social Media
    1. UNG
    2. News

    Alumna awarded Phi Kappa Phi fellowship

    July 28, 2022
    UNG alumna Leah Pennell won a Phi Kappa Phi fellowship and will use it to fund research at Georgia Tech, where she is pursuing a doctoral degree in molecular and cellular biology.

    Article By: Denise Ray

    University of North Georgia (UNG) alumna Leah Pennell, '22, has earned an $8,500 Phi Kappa Phi fellowship and will use it to fund research at Georgia Institute of Technology, where she is pursuing a doctoral degree in molecular and cellular biology. Pennell earned her bachelor's degree in biology from UNG in May.

    Pennell, who worked as an undergraduate researcher in the lab of Dr. Alexandra Garrett while at UNG, presented her work at the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference (GURC) in fall 2021 and National Conference of Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in spring 2022 Her leadership roles as an undergraduate also included being a Supplemental Instruction facilitator and a mentor to other Nighthawks and co-manager of the lab of Dr. Abby Meyer.

    Meyer described Pennell as "a model student."

    I had such great professors and role models. I'd love to be that for someone in the future. And so I would love to combine both if possible.

    Leah Pennell

    UNG alumna and Phi Kappa Phi fellowship awardee

    "She was a stellar student, but also a very kind young woman who was genuine and easy to be around. I watched her flourish and succeed in class, lab, and more, and I am very proud of how far she has come. I know she will continue to achieve great things in her med school pursuits," Meyer said.

    The Roswell, Georgia, native said she was humbled by the news.

    "I was so excited and just really, really grateful, because it's humbling," Pennell said. "This is a nationally competitive scholarship. It was a boost to my confidence too, because being a first-year graduate student can be a little overwhelming."

    Phi Kappa Phi awards nationally competitive fellowships for first-year graduate students. Pennell's is a nonspecific fellowship that will be used in biological fields in addition to a stipend from Georgia Tech, where she will be working under the supervision of Dr. Matt Torres in the biological sciences department starting in August.

    The two have met, with Pennell recently visiting the lab she will share with other grad students.

    "It was so exciting and just very surreal because it was something I had dreamed of doing and then it was like, 'Wow, I'm here, it's happening' and it's just really special," Pennell said.

    Pennell said she always loved biology, so it was natural to step into the field. Cellular and molecular biology classes were her favorites among those in her biology major catalog, and she credits her professors with encouraging her to pursue her love of biology.

    Garrett was her first genetics professor, and Pennell said that she probably wouldn't have pursued her Ph.D. without the encouragement of Meyer, Garrett and Dr. Megan Foley. Both, she said, "were great role models of what I would love to be someday."  

    The inspiration from her former professors goes beyond the lab. Pennell said she's considering research and teaching in her future.

    "I'd love to give back in that way," she said. "I had such great professors and role models. I'd love to be that for someone in the future. And so I would love to combine both if possible."

    Contact the Author

    UNG begins celebration of 150-year history

    UNG begins celebration of 150-year history

    UNG has launched its Sesquicentennial Celebration, which will run throughout the 2022-23 academic year and focus on the university's impact on scholarship, leadership and service.
    Weeks of Welcome offers something for everyone

    Weeks of Welcome offers something for everyone

    Weeks of Welcome, scheduled for Aug. 19-Sept. 2, will feature opportunities for Nighthawks to meet other students, interact with faculty and staff, and get better acquainted with UNG.
    University celebrates almost 300 graduates

    University celebrates almost 300 graduates

    UNG celebrated almost 300 graduates at its summer commencement ceremony held Aug. 5 at the Convocation Center on the Dahlonega Campus.
    Starlight Celebration slated for Aug. 27

    Starlight Celebration slated for Aug. 27

    UNG’s annual Starlight Celebration will be held Aug. 27 at the Gainesville Campus as part of Weeks of Welcome for the new semester.

    UNG Logo
    • Contact Us
    • Request Information
    • Quick Facts
    • Campus Maps & Directions
    • Student Consumer Information
    • Campus Safety
    • Emergency Information
    • Employment/HR
    • UNG Policies & Procedures
    • UNG Alumni Association
    • UNG Foundation
    • Ethics & Compliance Hotline
    • Human Trafficking Notice
    • Equal Empl. Opportunity

    © 2023 The University System of Georgia and the University of North Georgia.

    UNG follows the section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.0 for web accessibility. If you require this content in another format, please send an email to the ADA Coordinator.

    Use of military-themed imagery does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    • Accreditation
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy Policy
    Establishing Connection...
    AskNigel