McKelvey Engineering students, alumni recognized by NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Two students offered NSF fellowship; several students and alumni received honorable mentions

Beth Miller 04.11.2025

Two McKelvey School of Engineering students have been offered a highly competitive National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship: Elise M. Brown, a doctoral student in biomedical engineering, and Wanji Li, an undergraduate student majoring in applied science (chemical engineering).

Brown, who is pursuing doctoral research in the laboratory of Jai Rudra, associate professor of biomedical engineering, will study ways to improve vaccine outcomes with novel biomaterials.

Li, who is expected to graduate in May 2025, also has a second major in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration and a minor in bioinformatics.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. The fellowship includes a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 along with a cost of education allowance for tuition and fees, opportunities for international research and professional development and the opportunity to conduct their own research. Since 1952, the program has funded more than 45,000 researchers.

In 2025, NSF made 1,000 fellowship offers to applicants. More than 3,000 applicants received honorable mentions, which is considered a significant academic achievement.

WashU students or alumni receiving honorable mentions include:

Olanrewaju Ibukunoluwa Akande, a doctoral student in biomedical engineering;
Elizabeth J. Buzbee, who will pursue a doctorate in biomedical engineering at WashU starting in fall 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from McKelvey Engineering in 2024 and is expected to earn a master’s degree in biomedical engineering in May 2025.
Jonathan L. Fascetti, who is expected to earn a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from McKelvey Engineering in May 2025;
Natalie Fisher, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from McKelvey Engineering in 2024 and is now a doctoral student at Northwestern University;
Miranda M. Holloway, who is expected to earn a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from McKelvey Engineering in May 2025. She also is getting a minor in computer science and minor in music;
Sean J. Wang, who is expected to earn a master’s in biomedical engineering in May 2025. He earned a bachelor’s in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration and a minor in music from WashU in December 2024.