Three undergraduate students from the College of Biological Sciences have been named 2025 Fulbright Scholars, marking a record moment for the CBS community. This year, Sayumi Ranasinghe, Marie Ronnander, and Madison Cocker will embark on international research and teaching opportunities through the prestigious program.
Sayumi Ranasinghe is a Spring 2025 graduate from the University of Minnesota with a major in microbiology and minors in pharmacology and German, has been awarded a Fulbright to conduct research at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover in Germany. Her research career began in Professor Anna Tischler’s lab with work on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and 2024 summer work in Hannover she did through the DAAD RISE program. After her Fulbright year, she plans to pursue a PhD focused on zoonotic diseases.
Marie Ronnander is a CBS and University Honors Program senior graduating with a Biochemistry major and Spanish minor. Ronnander received a Fulbright award to conduct research in Spain. She spent the past two years developing enzymes to break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or "forever chemicals") with Professor Lawrence Wackett and will continue this work with Professor Silvia Osuna Oliveras at the University of Girona. Passionate about both science and communication, Marie plans to pursue a PhD in environmental toxicology.
Madison Cocker began her college journey at South Dakota State University on a softball scholarship but transferred to the University of Minnesota to graduate as a Biochemistry major after a summer research experience inspired her to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. She has since conducted cancer and vascular research at multiple institutions and will soon begin a project in Germany focused on developing biomaterials for diabetes treatment. Alongside her academic work, she has served as a nursing assistant and student leader, with future plans to combine an MD/PhD with global health service through Doctors Without Borders. 