Northern Michigan University student Rev Derek Baluyut is a 2022-2023 American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholar. The program awards renewable scholarships of up to $5,000 per academic year to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups in the chemical sciences, majoring in chemistry-related disciplines, and intending to pursue chemistry-related careers.
This marks the second major achievement for the medicinal plant chemistry major this year. From May 31-Aug. 5, he participated in the nationally acclaimed Research Intensive Summer Experience (RISE) at Rutgers University, where outstanding undergraduates from diverse backgrounds engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of faculty mentors.
Baluyut is also a first-generation student, Army combat veteran, Filipino-American and McNair scholar.
“My professors in the chemistry department have been key to my success, and I have been lucky to have so many inspiring role models I could look up to who encourage me to become a better human being,” Baluyut said. “It feels good to get this ACS scholarship because it provides me resources and various opportunities to become a better chemist, and to prepare me for a career in chemistry.
“My experience at NMU has been better than I could have ever imagined. I would never have thought I would become involved in research while in college, nor did I even consider the possibility of obtaining a PhD in the future.”
Learn more about medicinal plant chemistry and other programs available in the NMU Chemistry Department here.
To date, more than 3,500 students have received funding from the ACS Scholars Program. The number of awards and scholarship amounts are determined by school year, demonstrated financial need and available funding. Find more information at acs.org/scholars.