By the time she graduates as a College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences (CEFNS) Distinguished Senior, Ellen Liebig, ’26, will have balanced rigorous coursework, hands-on research, and leadership—making the most of every opportunity on her path to becoming a medical doctor and researcher.
With support from donors, she has pursued those opportunities without financial barriers.
“The number of scholarships I’ve received equates to a full ride, including covering all of my housing for the past four years,” she says. “I’m still blown away by it.”
Among those supporters are two alumni who have taken a particular interest in her journey: Richard Gerkin, ’75, and Bill Farrell, ’73. Through the Dr. Richard D. Gerkin Jr. Endowed Scholarship for Premedical Students and the Farrell Family Scholarship in Chemistry, their investments have helped make it possible for Liebig to fully immerse herself in the work that is helping define her future.
“Being able to focus on my studies instead of being stressed about how I’m going to afford my rent has been incredible,” says Liebig.
That focus has translated into an undergraduate experience marked by depth and range.
An Honors College student double-majoring in environmental sciences and ACS-certified biochemistry, Liebig has maintained a 3.97 GPA while completing advanced coursework, including graduate-level study in drug discovery. She has spent three years conducting research at NAU’s Pathogen & Microbiome Institute, where she now serves as head undergraduate researcher—managing lab operations, mentoring peers, and contributing to projects that use genetic sequencing to answer complex biological questions.
“I’ve done genetic sequencing on hundreds of samples,” she says.
She has presented her work at scientific conferences, contributed to peer-reviewed research currently under submission, and completed an honors capstone focused on making complex biochemistry concepts more accessible to broader audiences.
At the same time, she has taken on a central leadership role within the college as president of the Ambassadors of CEFNS, where she helps connect peers with research and scholarship opportunities.
A scholarship that grew into something more
An alumnus in physics and retired physician, Gerkin found his way to NAU after serving in the Army, drawn in part by the university’s willingness to support him.
“I came from a poor family,” says Gerkin. “NAU was gracious enough to offer me a scholarship, so I went.”
Years later, that experience shaped his decision to give back to students pursuing careers in medicine—students who, like him, might need help along the way. Over time, he expanded his commitment, doubling the scholarship funding to support two students and making it renewable so recipients like Liebig could continue receiving support into their senior year.
Each year, Gerkin meets the recipients of his scholarship, attends their presentations at the annual NAU Undergraduate Research Symposium, and takes time to connect with them one-on-one over lunch.
To Gerkin, Liebig stood out immediately.
“Every recipient of my scholarship has been amazing in their own way,” he says. “But she’s just incredible. I look for resilience, the ability to overcome adversity, dedication, and hard work,” adding that these are qualities that define Liebig.
“The fact that I’ve received many scholarships tells me I’m doing something right,” says Liebig. “Everything I do is not only for myself, but for scholarship donors like Dr. Gerkin and Dr. Farrell as well.”
Liebig says she and Gerkin stay in touch, meeting about twice a year and emailing. For Liebig, it makes the impact of scholarships tangible in a way that goes beyond financial support.
“These donors have made an investment in my future, and I want to show them that it was worth it,” she says.
“I’m glad I could help, but it’s all her. I’m very proud,” says Gerkin.
What comes next
This summer, Liebig will continue her research through an internship at the University of Rochester, working at the intersection of medical research and clinical application. She plans to take the MCAT this spring and apply to graduate programs, with the goal of pursuing a career in medicine and translational research.
In CEFNS, stories like Liebig’s reflect the broader impact of philanthropy.
“Scholarships do far more than help students afford their education. They open doors to opportunity, discovery, and mentorship,” says CEFNS Dean Roger Haro. “They give talented students like Ellen the support they need to pursue their passions and focus on the work that will shape our world.”
“His mentorship and belief in Ellen reflect the spirit of the college and our shared commitment to empowering the next generation of scientists and changemakers,” Haro says.
