Hur named scholarship recipient

By Jennifer Reynolds

Communication Professional for the Center for Food Safety

Minji Hur has been named the recipient of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Science (CAES) Student Scholarship. 

“This award recognizes students who distinguish themselves through outstanding academic achievement. We are very pleased that a graduate student from the Griffin campus is the recipient of this year’s scholarship, and that this scholarship will help Ms. Hur achieve her academic goals at the University of Georgia,” said David Buntin, Interim Assistant Provost and Griffin Campus Director. 

Hur is a doctoral student in the Center for Food Safety located at UGA Griffin under its Director, Dr. Francisco Diez-Gonzalez. 

“Minji has recently joined our research group as a Ph.D. student and we are very proud that she has received this award. This honor is a deserving recognition of her academic accomplishments,” said Diez-Gonzalez. 

Hur, who is a native of Seoul, South Korea, completed her bachelor’s degree in food science and biotechnology at Gachon University. 

During her senior year, she obtained an internship at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. She said this research experience with Dr. Dumitru Macarisin and Dr. Yi Chen inspired her to continue her education. 

When her internship was complete, she enrolled at UGA where she completed her master’s in food science and technology before subsequently moving into the doctoral program in January of this year. 

After graduation, she is open to working wherever the best opportunity for her is. She said it is important to her to remain open-minded so that she can fully benefit from the opportunities that come her way. 

The purpose of the CAES Student Scholarship is to support students enrolled in CAES on the Griffin Campus. Funds are awarded in the amount of up to $2,500. 

Hur said this is the first scholarship she has received since becoming a grad student and she plans to use the funds to help pay for living and education expenses. 

She expressed her appreciation to Chrystal McDowell, assistant director of student affairs, who helped her complete her scholarship application, “for her sincere support and encouragement for Griffin students.”