Two MSU biological engineering majors are National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellows for 2000. Allison P. Kirkpatrick of Gadsden, Ala., and Dana L. Nettles of Batesville each are receiving $16,200 annually for three years, plus up to $10,500 annually to cover tuition and fees. In all, the fellowships total nearly $80,000 apiece.

More than 4,600 students nationwide applied for the 850 NSF awards, which are based on academic records, Graduate Record Exam scores, and the applicants' research proposals.

Kirkpatrick's research involves the natural reduction of hog farm odors, while Nettles is working in the area of human cartilage replacement.

Both students are in their first year of graduate study after completing bachelor's degrees in biological engineering last year at MSU.