Three Seniors accepted for doctoral studies

ANGOLA, Ind. – Three Trine University seniors are looking ahead to graduate school before they even graduate from Trine on Saturday, May 4.

Accepted to doctoral programs are Rebekah Duncan of San Diego, Calif., Jamie Meegan of Worthington, Ohio, and Julia Nell of Ada, Okla.

"I am especially proud of these students and not surprised that they have been accepted into doctoral programs," said Ruth E. Kohlmeier, M.D., director of the Forensic Science Program. "They each have a love of learning and science and are sure to be great representatives for Trine."

Rebekah Duncan

Duncan, a 2009 graduate of Westview High School, San Diego, is a chemistry major graduating cum laude (3.5 or higher grade point average) and is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma (national college athlete honor society) and Trine Honors Program.

She plans to study physical therapy at the University of Indiana.

Jamie Meegan

Meegan, a 2009 graduate of Thomas Worthington High School, Worthington, is a chemistry major graduating magna cum laude (3.75 or higher grade point average). She is a member of Alpha Chi (national honor society for students who rank in the upper 10 percent of their academic school's major), Chi Alpha Sigma, Trine Honors Program and Gold Key (students who have been named to the president's list with a 3.75 or higher grade point average for four consecutive semesters). In addition, Meegan is a Bateman Kolb Scholar and has been recognized by Who's Who Among Students in America's Universities and Colleges.

Meegan has been accepted to the University of Southern Florida where she plans to study neuroscience with a focus on Alzheimer's disease. She organized an Alzheimer's fundraising walk that took place on April 19 and generated nearly $800.

Julia Nell

Nell, a 2009 graduate of Cloquet Senior High School in Cloquet, Minn., is graduating with a major in forensic science and chemistry with a minor in criminal justice. She is graduating summa cum laude (3.950 or higher grade point average) and is a member of Alpha Chi, Chi Alpha Sigma, Gold Key, Trine Honors Program, Phi Eta Sigma (national honor society for freshmen) and Skull & Bones (national honorary leadership society). She has also received the Outstanding Senior in Science Award and is named in Who's Who Among Students in America's Universities and Colleges.

During Honors Day on Sunday, Nell received the Robert B. Stewart Award, the highest award given to a graduating senior. As the award recipient, Nell will deliver the address for the senior class of 2013 during commencement.

She plans to study radio chemistry with a focus on nuclear forensics at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Cutline:  From left, Jamie Meegan, Julia Nell and Rebekah Duncan collaborate on a project.