News & Events

Two UR chemistry students win 2024 Merck Underrepresented Chemists of Color Research Award

Congratulations to Ignacio Gustin and Medina Afandiyeva for winning the 2024 Merck Underrepresented Chemists of Color Research Award! Only 17 people across the United States were selected for this award!

The 2024 Merck Underrepresented Chemists of Color Research Award was created to support diversity and inclusion within chemistry, and to support chemistry graduate students and postdocs of color. Awardees spend a year being mentored by and networking with Merck chemists.

“I was inspired to think about ways we could make a difference in supporting greater diversity and inclusion in the field of chemistry,” David Thaisrivongs, one of the founders of the award, told 3BL Media in 2022, “We recognize the value in mentorship and our strong support network within our company, so we designed the award program to create a supportive, inclusive networking environment for rising chemists of color.”

Congrats again, Ignacio and Medina!