Providence, R.I.--Three members of the Class of 2009 are among Providence College's many science graduates who share high career aspirations.

Biology majors Katherine Helming of Hamilton, Mass., and Abigail Mariga of Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe, and biochemistry major Richard C. Kurker, Jr., of East Hartford, Conn., plan to pursue Ph.D. programs that will prepare them for research careers.

The three also are members of PC's chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, as well as the recipients of awards that mark their academic achievement in the sciences.

Helming, a summa cum laude graduate who will  enter Harvard Medical School this fall to pursue a Ph.D. in biological and biomedical sciences, plans to study translational medicine, the application of disease-based research to patients in the clinic.

"My goal is to study cancer in a translational medicine laboratory, where the findings will quickly be transferred to helping sick patients," said Helming, a recipient of the College's Rev. Charles V. Reichart, O.P. Award. The award is given to the student who exemplifies a commitment to advancing the biological sciences and who evidences "scholarship, intellectual curiosity, disciplined perseverance, and scientific inquiry."

"My experience in the PC biology department exceeded my expectations," said Helming, who noted that, as a freshman, she did not think she would go on to pursue a Ph.D.

"Through my interaction with professors in the department, and especially my advisor," she added, "I have gained the passion for science that they display every day. My experience of working in a research laboratory here also helped me develop as a scientist and determine that I want to pursue laboratory research as a career."

A member of PC's Liberal Arts Honors Program who also completed a minor in Spanish, Helming is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the National Pre-Medical Honor Society, as well as the National Spanish Honor Society, Sigma Delta Pi. She also was named to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Mariga, an international student and cum laude graduate, will work at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals--where she had previously interned--in the position of "scientist 1" before she pursues Ph.D. studies in biomedical research.

"I will be working with the neurosciences-discovery group, doing research on neurodegenerative diseases," said Mariga, who interned in the same department at Pfizer in the summer after her junior year and earlier interned in the immunology/inflammation department at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.

Mariga, who has been passionate about biology since high school, was attracted to PC's program because it provided, she said, "the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research in different areas of biology."

"It nurtured my interest in molecular biology and helped me to define my career goals. I enjoyed the thrill of taking a variety of classes that not only inspired me to be a scientist, but also challenged me to be a critical thinker. I also had the opportunity to learn the practical applications of my biology course work through conducting research in Dr. Charles Toth's laboratory for two years," she added.

A member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the National Pre-Medical Honor Society, Mariga was active beyond academics at PC as a resident assistant and member of the student affairs advisory council for academic affairs. Such activities explain her selection for the Robert I. Krasner Award, given to the biology major "who best exemplifies Dr. Krasner's commitment to teaching and leadership inside and outside of the classroom."

Mariga also received the Academic Excellence Award given by the Multicultural Scholarship Program of the College's Balfour Center for Multicultural Affairs. It is awarded to the student who has shown significant scholarly achievement and exemplary contributions to the Providence College community.  

Kurker, who is graduating with summa cum laude distinction and the highest academic average in biochemistry, will pursue a Ph.D. program in biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame. Like Helming, he is a member of the Liberal Arts Honors Program and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

"When I started at PC, I began as a biochemistry major but was not exactly sure what I wanted to do, as I had really enjoyed both science and English throughout high school," said Kurker, who also completed a minor in writing.

"The courses and lab work for the biochemistry major confirmed that I had chosen the correct path at PC. Furthermore, I've found that writing is a critical part of science and research, so the biochemistry major actually combined the subjects I've always enjoyed."

The recipient of the Rev. Frederick C. Hickey, O.P. Science Award for academic excellence, Kurker was named to Phi Lambda Upsilon, the National Chemistry Honor Society. He pursued his writing interests as editor of The Alembic, PC's literary magazine, and garnered The Alembic Award for best poem.

"The writing minor has allowed me to take courses that a science student typically would not take," explained Kurker, who was assistant news editor of The Cowl, the student newspaper. "I've had the opportunity to take a variety of unique courses ranging from Playwriting to Journalism, and Poetry to Shakespeare. The writing minor has also served as a good creative outlet and, in my opinion, was a good complement to the science program."

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