The Ryan Foundation continues supporting The Curators of the University of Missouri
From June 2023 to 2024, The Ryan Foundation continued it's support of The Curators of the University of Missouri, bringing total contributions since 2015 to $1.2 million for fellowships in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Immunology.
Since the launch of the Wayne L. Ryan Graduate Fellowship program in 2021, there has been 23 awardees that have completed their doctoral training and advanced to the next stages of their careers. During 2023–2024, $200,000 was dedicated to the fellowship program, with an additional $663,476 allocated for second-year support, including six new fellows who will be funded for two years through July 2026.
In 2023–2024 alone, 15 Wayne L. Ryan Fellowship recipients published 35 peer-reviewed research manuscripts and delivered 64 presentations at regional, national, and international forums. The Department of Biochemistry continues to seek applications from PhD students for Wayne L. Ryan Fellowships, which provide up to two years of salary and benefits.
Dr. Ryan remained closely connected to the University throughout his life, not only through his periodic gifts and visits with his mentor, but also by carrying forward the values instilled during his time there. Earning his PhD from the University laid the foundation for his distinguished career in science and entrepreneurship.
This donation reflects the Ryan Foundation’s mission to advance education and research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Just as Wayne Ryan himself exemplified, it underscores the belief that science offers diverse and meaningful career paths—whether in the laboratory, in business ventures, or in thought leadership. Supporting students who share a passion for science honors Dr. Ryan’s conviction that curiosity and dedication in the sciences should open doors to lifelong careers of impact and innovation.
“The fellowship helped advance the scientific training I received at the University of Missouri and has strengthened my candidacy as I actively apply to scientist positions at biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies,” said Amanda Paz Herrera, PhD ’23, Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Missouri Honors College.
To learn more about the University of Missouri - Department of Biochemistry, please visit their website.
