Shelby Sliger

2024 Astronaut and Goldwater Scholar

Hometown

Lafayette, IN

College

College of Agriculture, John Martinson Honors College

Major

Biochemistry

 

Recipient of the 2024 Goldwater Scholarship and the 2024 Astronaut Scholarship, Shelby Sliger has persistently pursued a dream that she expressed as a middle school student when a family member battled a rare form of cancer that still does not have highly successful treatments.  Aspiring to become a scientist, Shelby recalls being the only female in her AP calculus and AP calculus-based physics coursework in high school. During her time at Purdue, Shelby has refined her aspirations through deep engagement in research in the Ogas Lab where she  has led independent research and is looked to as a mentor for other students.

Recognized both as Outstanding Sophomore and Outstanding Junior in Biochemistry, Shelby is motivated to invest her talent in creating opportunities for young people to explore scientific research.  She reveals a quality of servant leadership whether helping a fellow undergraduate with a project or volunteering through her campus engagement, including the Purdue Biochemistry Club and the Science Olympiad. A notable team player, Shelby notes that being a lab mentor affirmed her desire to learn as well as teach. 

Writing in support of her application, Joe Ogas, Department Head and Professor of Biochemistry, and Clint Chappel, Professor of Biochemistry, attest to Shelby’s promising future as a research scientist.