In 2003, Dr. Eldridge, an MCG alumni, established the Outstanding STAR Student Award to recognize and promote outstanding undergraduate research accomplishments and scientific potential.
Each year, one or more STAR participant(s) are selected as the recipient of the Outstanding STAR Student Award honoring outstanding undergraduate research and recognizing overall scientific potential. Outstanding STAR participants are nominated by their mentors and assessed by a panel of judges during the oral or poster presentation session. The winner is selected based on their exceptional contributions to the STAR program and lab experience, research accomplishments and project knowledge, STAR spirit and potential in biomedical research.
Dr. Eldridge, a grateful alumnus of The Graduate School, had been sponsoring the award(s) anonymously since 2003. In 2005 he established an endowment fund to sustain and promote this $150 award and prestigious recognition with the hope of providing encouragement for young undergraduate students to prepare for careers in academic teaching and research.
"[the STAR program is a] valuable way for energetic young people to experience the excitement of research in a safe way, while learning if that world is calling them."
- Dr. Charles Eldridge, STAR Donor and Augusta University Alumnus
Martina Veit Acosta
Mindy Klaus
Lindsey Greene
Riley Kendall & Nada Ahmed Selim