Laura Hamm, a first-year Ph.D. student has received a fellowship from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRP) program. Only four NSF GRP’s were awarded in Geochemistry across the Nation this year. Her research proposal was entitled "Polymorph Selection: Deciphering Biochemical Controls on Calcium Carbonate Mineralization". This three year award is a significant honor for Laura and a recognition of the quality of the Geosciences program at Virginia Tech. She is a student in the bgep research group of Professor P. Dove.

Her research is focused on a better understanding of biomineralization— the processes by which organisms direct the formation of minerals into skeletal structures with exquisite form and function. Crystals make up the mineralized of all organisms with skeletons, including seashells and our own teeth and bones. Perhaps the most widely used biominerals are found in the calcium carbonate family. Understanding how organisms determine which form of calcium carbonate to choose during biomineralization is of particular interest because of its widespread occurrence over geologic history and its close relation to the calcium phosphate found in the bones and teeth of all mammals.

The NSF GRP is designed to provide opportunities for advanced education that prepares students for a broad range of disciplinary and cross-disciplinary careers through its strategic investments in intellectual capital. To do this, the program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in the relevant science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees. NSF Fellows are expected to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering.

Laura received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Chemistry from Appalachian State University. In addition to her enthusiasm for science, she is an avid runner, biker and rock climber.