Shaping Scientific Leaders: the Pulver Science Scholars Program

One of the most invaluable aspects of the Colby experience is the opportunity to access resources that facilitate and support students in their academic and professional pursuits. From providing funding for study abroad programs to offering DavisConnects advising, it seems the College is dedicated to connecting students with the best opportunities. 

In continuing its effort to help students succeed, the College  established the Pulver Science Scholars Program in 2020 to offer students unparalleled access to internships and research positions in the sciences. 

Named after Trustee David Pulver `63 and his wife Carol, the Pulver Science Scholars Program selects a group of ten scientifically-talented students from each class. 

Every scholar receives  at least two funded research or internship opportunities during their four years. This gives students the freedom to take advantage of meaningful opportunities without worrying about financial restraints. 

Scholars work closely with professors and leading research teams to further their interests in biology, chemistry, computer science, and other scientific fields.  The program works closely with the Linde Packman Lab for Biosciences Innovation and the Jackson Laboratory, among other top national research institutes. 

Anna Pavlova `24, a biochemistry and classical civilizations double major, spoke about her experience as a member of the first Pulver Science Scholar cohort. 

“The program helps you achieve your interests in all disciplines of science, not just biology or chemistry or pre-med.” Pavlova said. “We’re all unique and we all get to tailor our experiences. We’re not limited by any means.” 

Pavlova elaborated on her experience as one of the first four Colby students to go to the Center for Discovery and Innovation, a new research lab affilitated with Hackensack Meridian Health in Hackensack, New Jersey.

“I was part of Dr. Jyothi Nagajyothi’s lab, and I had my own breast cancer line called E0771,” Pavlova explained. “It was mainly for practice, but at one point my mentor was working on this breast cancer project, and he said he’s going to need some of my cells to inject into some mice. A week later he shows me the tumor that he extracted from those mice with the cells. The fact that I could see the whole cycle was incredible to me.” 

The program allows students to gain hands-on experience in scientific research. The most meaningful aspect of the scholar program, however, may be the long-term connections students establish along the way. 

“I have met the academically elite in my respective field, who are interesting, cool people that are pioneers in their field and have become my mentors for life,” Pavlova explained. “They become my friends for life who inspire me to keep working hard and pursue my goals. The opportunities from Pulver are more than simply internships: I get to meet these incredible people.”

Yet the benefits of the Pulver Science Program are not limited to its participants or the laboratories they help. The program helps cultivate students into scientific leaders who actively contribute to academic advancement. 

“The program encourages our scholars to do their best and pursue their goals and dreams. Our scholars take that to the greater scientific community and contribute to the school. We spread our love of our fields,” Pavlova said. “The program is designed to create a pipeline for the most ambitious and talented students from any background to pursue research, internship or academic opportunities. The academic level of greatness is amazing.”

Another Pulver Scholar, who wished to remain anonymous, commented that the program has given them a sense of community within the College. 

“You know these are people who want to help you succeed: who you can count on to give you a hand. That means a lot in a rigorous, competitive environment like Colby,” they said. “They inspire me because I see people using their passion to make tangible differences, and because I know I’m not alone in my endeavor.” 

Initiatives like the Pulver Science Scholars Program demonstrate the efforts of the College to cultivate students whose contributions are not just limited to the school. 

Through the Pulver Science Scholars Program, the College has committed to offering its students resources they otherwise may not have access to, helping students grow into leaders in every academic field. 

~ Elaine Liu `25