Wingate, N.C. – Two Wingate University juniors have been chosen for the highly-selective program North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Women in Science Scholars Program, which honors exceptional students pursuing careers in science-related fields with mentoring and scholarship opportunities. This is the first year that the University has been a part of the program. Additionally, Wingate University has been invited to participate in the Women in Science Scholars Program on an annual basis.

These student-scholars will be paired with GlaxoSmithKline scientists who serve as mentors and attend annual meetings held in Research Triangle Park, N.C. each fall and spring. Robyn Pescatore, who is from Fuquay-Varina, N.C., is a chemistry major who hopes to do pharmaceutical research. One reason Pescatore was chosen for this honor is that she has interned for PRO Unlimited where she worked at Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. Amanda Gaines, who is from Fletcher, N.C., is a biology major. She has a strong interest in neuroscience and pharmaceutical research.

Each year, two undergraduate students will be selected to participate in the program. The students selected as scholars must maintain at least a 3.0+ grade point average and demonstrate an interest in science. Over 500 students are enrolled in Wingate University's science programs, of which 74% are female.

The Wingate University science faculty members are thrilled about this unique opportunity," said Dr. Alison Brown, who serves as the faculty liaison for this program. "We truly believe that our undergraduate students will be excellent beneficiaries of the Foundation's Women in Science Scholars Program as they develop professionally and return value to the program and to the experience of their student peers."

Wingate University

Wingate University, ranked as the 6th "best value" in the South by U.S. News & World Report, serves nearly 2,700 students on three campuses in Wingate, Charlotte and Hendersonville, N.C. Founded in 1896, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors, 37 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, education, physician assistant studies and sport administration, and doctorates in pharmacy, physical therapy and education. With a 14 to 1 student/teacher ratio, Wingate students gain the tools and support needed to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life.

To view current news, video and story ideas, visit www.youtube.com/wingateuniversity.

In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past seven years. For more information, go to www.wingate.edu.

The North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation

Based in Research Triangle Park, the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation supports programs that promote the sciences, health, and education. Since its creation in 1986, the Foundation has granted more than $61 million to support North Carolina projects and programs that meet the educational needs of today's society and of future generations. Follow us on Twitter @NCGSKFound.

Wingate University Contact:
Kim Williams
Communications Writer
k.williams@wingate.edu
704-233-8320