Funke Medal of Excellence
We have been recognizing the top graduating senior in our Microbiology BS program since 1985. In 2018, the award was renamed the Berdell Funke Medal of Excellence in Microbiology to honor our longtime colleague and friend.
Dr. Funke was a professor in our department from 1964 to 1997. He taught several courses throughout his career, including Introductory Microbiology, General Microbiology, Soil Microbiology, Pathogenic Bacteriology, Food and Dairy Microbiology, and Clinical Parasitology. He also had a research program focused on nitrogen-fixing soil microbes. However, Dr. Funke is probably best known as a co-author of the #1 bestselling microbiology textbook, Microbiology: An Introduction. Since its first publication in 1982, Microbiology: An Introduction has been used by more than one million undergraduate students of microbiology. It has been translated into more than twelve languages and is currently in its thirteenth edition. Dr. Funke remained a steadfast friend of our department until his death in 2020, visiting every week to talk about microbiology and life. Dr. Funke was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by NDSU in 2019.
The Berdell Funke Medal of Excellence in Microbiology is awarded to a graduating senior in the Microbiology BS program who best exemplifies the spirit and character of Dr. Funke. Selected by the Microbiological Sciences faculty, the winner will excel in academics, contribute to our research and/or teaching mission, and be active in extracurricular activities.
The NDSU Department of Microbiological Sciences Celebrates Abigail Bartholomay's Achievement: Awarded the 2023 Berdell Funke Medal of Excellence in Microbiology
We are thrilled to announce that Abigail Bartholomay, a remarkable student at NDSU, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Berdell Funke Medal of Excellence in Microbiology! This incredible achievement highlights Abigail's exceptional dedication, passion, and contributions to the field of Microbiology.
Abigail's journey in academia has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having been accepted into medical school at UND, she will embark on the next chapter of her educational journey this summer. Abigail's heartfelt aspiration is to become an internal or family medicine doctor, focusing on serving North Dakota or Minnesota rural communities. Her dedication to making a difference in the lives of those in underserved areas is truly inspiring.
Throughout her time at NDSU, Abigail has been actively involved in groundbreaking research. She worked in Dr. Schuh's lab and on Dr. McEvoy's COVID-19 Wastewater Project, showcasing her commitment to addressing critical real-world challenges. This project exemplifies Abigail's passion for leveraging microbiology to improve public health and contribute to our understanding of infectious diseases.
In addition to her research accomplishments, Abigail's leadership qualities shine brightly. She served as the President of the Biotechnology and Microbiology Club, playing a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant community of aspiring scientists. Her dedication to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and inspiring her peers is truly commendable.
Abigail's selection for the Berdell Funke Medal of Excellence is a testament to her outstanding achievements and the impact she has already made in the field. We are immensely proud of her accomplishments and excited to witness the bright future that lies ahead.
Please join us in congratulating Abigail Bartholomay for this remarkable achievement! Her hard work, perseverance, and passion have truly set her apart. We are confident that she will continue to make significant contributions to the medical field and beyond.
