Julie Krzykwa ‘17 (MS) is the first student to earn a Ph.D. in biology from TCU after successfully defending her dissertation in April. The biology Ph.D. program was added in 2017, allowing high-quality students who had excelled in the master of science program to continue their professional training in scientific research, grant writing, scientific communication and teaching at TCU. After completing her MS in biology at TCU, Krzykwa became the first student to be admitted to the new program.

Krzykwa has been an exemplary graduate student, particularly with regard to her research productivity. Her master’s research resulted in two first-authored publications and one co-authored article. Her Ph.D. research has already led to one published article and she has three additional papers in the works. While at TCU, she also co-authored two articles resulting from her contributions as a student contractor at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In addition to publications, Krzykwa has delivered 12 presentations at regional and national meetings, and she is scheduled to give two presentations at an international conference in early May. Her presentation skills have led to three presentation awards. Most impressively, she also received a $15,000 grant from the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and Procter & Gamble to support her research.

“As part of her thesis and dissertation projects, Julie pursued avenues well outside of my area of expertise demonstrating her independence,” said Associate Professor of Biology Marlo Jeffries. “The equipment and protocols that she has developed will have long-lasting impacts on my research program. I have been continually impressed with Julie’s ability to confront obstacles in creative ways. She isn’t afraid to try new things even when they seem completely crazy.”

In June, Krzykwa will begin a position in the Ecotoxicology Department at Smithers Environmental Risk Science LLC in Wareham, Massachusetts.