Contact: Sarah Nicholas

STARKVILLE, Miss.—A junior chemistry major is now Mississippi State University’s first Snyder Scholar, giving her the opportunity to spend this summer studying organic chemistry as part of a selective fellowship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Cassidy J. McNeely, a Spring Hill, Tennessee, native and member of the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, was nominated for the fellowship by Dennis Smith, professor and head of MSU’s Department of Chemistry, and Sean Stokes, a chemistry assistant clinical professor.

“Arguably the most prestigious and selective summer research program for the very best students across the country, this illustrates that our chemistry undergrads can compete and win with the best,” Smith said.

Stokes said McNeely’s selection was acknowledged, in part, because of her “positive personality” and “her dedication to being the best student that she can be.”

“The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a very prestigious chemistry program, and I know that she will be a great representative for MSU,” Stokes said. “I believe Cassidy is one of the best organic students of her class and is a great choice for this research fellowship.”

The 10-week fellowship to UIUC includes a $5,000 stipend, housing, as well as travel and research ventures. Part of an endowed fund established in honor of UIUC alumni Harold R. Snyder, the fellowship supports undergraduate students interested in organic chemistry. Fellows must have completed two semesters of organic chemistry, two chemistry-related laboratory courses and be committed to pursuing graduate studies in organic chemistry.

“I hope this fellowship teaches me new ways to use organic chemistry, while stretching my mind to new limits,” said McNeely.

Studying at UIUC from May 26-July 31, McNeely will be combining her “two passions,” researching organic chemistry and its uses in the medical field.

McNeely plans to graduate in 2021 and is considering her options for pursuing chemistry research in her future. “The fellowship will be a good way for me to start narrowing my choices,” she said.

McNeely is a member the Pre-Dental Society, Pi Beta Phi sorority and the Student American Chemical Society (SMACS), an organization designed to promote the professional development of STEM majors and to stimulate an interest in chemistry.

“Being a part of this scientific environment has enabled me to grow exponentially as a scientist and flourish as a student,” McNeely said. “What makes this department so unique is each student has the privilege to get to know the professors on a deeper level. The professors in this department are not just there to teach. They are genuine people who have allowed me to be myself and obtain genuine success. I have no doubt that joining this specific chemistry department has given me everything I need to be able to achieve my dreams.”

MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences includes more than 5,200 students, 325 full-time faculty members, nine doctoral programs, 14 master’s programs, and 27 undergraduate academic majors offered in 14 departments. Complete details about the College of Arts and Sciences or the Department of Chemistry can be found at www.cas.msstate.edu or www.chemistry.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.