Mercer University Senior Ryan Brownlee of Flowery Branch was recently awarded a Pioneer Award worth $1,000 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi – the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Brownlee, who was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2021, is one of 50 students nationwide to receive the award.
A biochemistry and molecular biology double major, he plans to continue his studies in molecular and cellular biology through a graduate degree program after graduation, said he’s honored to be recognized.
“I have been very blessed and am thankful to have had so many supportive mentors over my four years here at Mercer,” Brownlee said. “Each of my faculty mentors has made significant contributions to my life and especially to my research endeavors, career choice and service involvements. I’d like to thank each of them and all of the Mercer faculty for the time and effort they have invested that allowed me to achieve a recognition such as this.”
Last spring, Brownlee was one of three Mercer students awarded the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, which recognizes undergraduates in science, mathematics and engineering.