E.L. Cord Foundation Funds First Diversity Graduate Research Assistantship

The E.L. Cord Foundation Diversity Graduate Research Assistantship (DGRA) advances the educational and research pursuits of a DRI graduate student that shows high potential for achievement and is from a community that has been traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Increased diversity in scientific communities and research institutions encourages the incorporation of new ideas, novel approaches, and diverse thinking – all of which are key in helping DRI scientists find solutions to the world’s most challenging environmental problems.

Established by the E.L. Cord Foundation in 2023, the DGRA enhances the capacity and diversity of DRI – and ultimately science in the state of Nevada and beyond. “The E.L. Cord Foundation is pleased to fund this assistantship and make graduate science education more accessible to underrepresented students.” – Joe Bradley, Trustee, E.L. Cord Foundation.

Graduate student Olufunke Dina was the first recipient of the DGRA for the academic year 2023-2024. Dina studies human biomarker analysis to understand the impacts of environmental pollutant exposures. “Receiving the E.L. Cord Foundation Diversity Graduate Research Assistantship has been an incredible honor. This opportunity not only supports my research but also highlights the commitment to diversity in academia at DRI. I am grateful for the invaluable support provided.” – Olufunke Dina, DRI Graduate Student.

Graduate student Olufunke Dina in the lab. — Graduate Student Olufunke Dina

DRI currently has 25 graduate students conducting research across multiple disciplines. To learn more about how you can support graduate students at DRI, please contact Kristin Burgarello, Director of Advancement at Kristin.burgarello@dri.edu or 775.673.7386.

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December 19, 2023

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Diversity Research Assistantship | DRI Foundation | E.L. Cord Foundation | Graduate Student

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