Yellowstone Times

Two students from Montana State University have been awarded prestigious Graduate Research Fellowships by the National Science Foundation. Amanda Haab, who will soon graduate with bachelor's degrees in microbiology and cell biology and neuroscience, and Jenna McNally, a master's student in mechanical engineering, are the recipients.

The fellowship offers a five-year term with three years of financial support, including a $37,000 annual stipend and an education allowance for tuition and fees.

Amanda Haab, originally from Helena, expressed her excitement, saying, "I am excited to have been named an NSF graduate research fellow," but also noted her stress due to her undecided graduate school plans. She plans to undertake a political internship with Senator Steve Daines’ office in Washington, D.C., following her graduation.

During her time at MSU, Haab was involved in undergraduate research at the Center for Biofilm Engineering, where she studied multi-species biofilms. "I am working on multi-species biofilm research right now," she said. Her academic adviser, Matthew Fields, regarded her as a "highly motivated and intelligent student."

Jenna McNally, from Grantsburg, Wisconsin, expressed both pride and excitement about receiving the fellowship, attributing credit to the support from her mentors in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. She works in the mechanical engineering laboratory of Mark Jankauski, where she studies "insect wing buckling mechanics." Reflecting on her academic path, McNally said, "I joined Mark’s lab as an undergrad because I was excited about researching insects."

Jankauski praised McNally's contributions and anticipated her continued success as she progresses in her scientific and research career.

The NSF fellowship also went to MSU alumnus William Alexander Pardis, who graduated in 2019 with a degree in electrical engineering.