How a Bangladeshi PhD Candidate in Microbiology Secured the $20,000 AAUW International Fellowship for CRISPR-Engineered Vaccine Research

I am Jarin Taslem Mourosi, and I am a PhD candidate at the Bacteriophage Medical Research Center in the Department of Biology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. I am originally from Bangladesh. My PhD program focuses on microbiology and cell biology, and my research specifically involves CRISPR engineering of T4 bacteriophages to develop vaccines for Dengue and Zika viruses. Growing up in Bangladesh, I witnessed several major mosquito-borne viral outbreaks, which deeply influenced my decision to learn more about virology.

AAUW International Fellowship Details

My PhD program is fully funded; I served as a teaching assistant. In 2021, I applied AAUW international fellowship as an external fellowship. I have been awarded $20,000 for the academic year 2021-2022.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

I have applied for a small grant to the Cosmos Club Foundation for my research. Cosmos Club Foundation provided me award of the “Joseph McLaughlin Meritorious Award in Biomedical Science” and provided $4494 in support for my thesis project.

Educational Background

My undergraduate major was Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. My undergrad CGPA was 3.86 out of 4.00. My undergrad coursework and research experience helped me with PhD preparation. I have been working on multiple public health and bioinformatics research projects during undergrad, which increased my curiosity and gave me the confidence to join directly PhD program directly after finishing my bachelor's.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Catholic University of America?

I heard the scholarship information from one of my faculty members at my current institution. AAUW scholarship requires proof of English Proficiency. As I was already in my PhD program in the USA, I showed my transcript as proof of my English proficiency.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the AAUW International Fellowship?

I didn’t do any special preparation for this scholarship. I have written a one-page summary of my intended PhD research proposal during scholarship submission.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

They value the practical application of professional skills and expertise, particularly when directed toward one’s own community. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I led an online course titled “Advanced Immunology” for Bangladeshi students. This voluntary initiative aligned with their emphasis on community service and empowerment. Additionally, my research goals were highly relevant to the needs and challenges of my home country, which further strengthened my application.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

When I applied for the fellowship, I wasn’t fully prepared. I applied mainly to become familiar with the process for a future application—but surprisingly, I was selected on my first try. If I were to go through the process again, I would dedicate more time to preparing my fellowship application. Specifically, I would spend more time developing a strong proposal and thoughtfully answering the fellowship questions.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

I would offer a few pieces of advice for those interested in applying for the AAUW International Fellowship. First, don’t hesitate to apply just because you think you’re not good enough, your profile isn’t outstanding, or your research background isn’t strong. Many successful applicants had similar doubts. For PhD students considering the AAUW fellowship: even if you haven’t started your research yet, you can still apply using a well-developed research proposal. The AAUW International Fellowship typically opens in August. They also strongly encourage applications from individuals who come from regions or backgrounds with historically low representation among AAUW award recipients.