Emily Petty Honored with Chancellor’s Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar Award

December 22, 2017

By Mario Aguilera

Emily Petty, a postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Biological Sciences, has been awarded a 2017-2018 Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar.

The awards are given annually to recognize “well-rounded postdoctoral scholars who excel in research and advance the frontiers of science, and also provide leadership, mentorship and service.”

After completing her doctoral research at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Petty joined the laboratory of Lorraine Pillus, professor of molecular biology and associate dean of Biological Sciences. Petty’s research investigations include using baker’s yeast to study deeply conserved enzymes that are linked to cancer and neurodegenerative disease in humans. 

In nominating Petty, Pillus noted that Petty is already making important contributions to understanding basic molecular mechanisms in biology and will be a leader in the next generation of scientists, uncovering fundamental principles and contributing to the public understanding of science and critical analysis.

“Dr. Petty is an outstanding and accomplished postdoctoral scholar who exemplifies the best qualities of leadership, innovation and curiosity that lie at the heart of our research enterprise,” Pillus noted.

Other nominators called Petty a natural leader, particularly in mentoring two undergraduates, a master’s student and a doctoral student. Petty’s commitment to increasing diversity in STEM was also highlighted.

Petty was honored during a Postdoc Appreciation Luncheon and Award Ceremony on November 29. Brian Leon of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry also received a Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar during the event.