CPHS student receives GSK scholarship

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Women in Science Scholars Program offers a unique educational opportunity to young women by coupling college scholarships with a mentoring program. Each student is paired with a GlaxoSmithKline mentor who provides valuable leadership to students by sharing her experiences and insights, and providing science career guidance. Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science student Aricela Gagaza (BSPS, ‘25) was selected as a 2023 Campbell recipient of the GSK scholarship program.

The Foundation has established endowed scholarships at 30 colleges and universities across North Carolina. Two outstanding women undergraduate science students, usually in their sophomore year, are selected annually by each school as North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Women in Science Scholars. Selected scholars demonstrate a strong interest in science and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale).

Scholars, mentors, and faculty are invited to two events for Women in Science Scholars: an annual meeting in the fall, and a conference in the spring. This allows participants to network, learn, and share. Gagaza attended the GSK conference in Chapel Hill on October 2.

One PhD student spoke about the benefits of gaining experience through internships. Gagaza admitted this session energized her to begin looking for summer internship opportunities. “I really enjoyed listening to her presentation, as it gave me a lot of motivation to start asking more questions and to not be afraid of collaborating with other people,” Gagaza added.

Gagaza’s mentor is a College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences adjunct professor, Elizabeth (Liz) Nulton-Bodiford. Nulton-Bodiford is a GSK compliance director for US Safety.