WMU Department of Chemistry: Dr. Susan Burns Scholarship Grant

The Dr. Susan Burns Scholarship at Western Michigan University honors the legacy of Dr. Susan Burns, a dedicated faculty member who made significant contributions to chemistry research. This scholarship supports outstanding female students in the Department of Chemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.0, while also considering financial need. It aims to empower future generations of chemists and uphold Dr. Burns' commitment to academic excellence and research innovation.

Fellowships and scholarships acknowledge outstanding Department of Chemistry students and provide assistance in their studies. These scholarships augment awards made to students supported by Western Michigan University, the Lee Honors College and the American Chemical Society.
This scholarship was established by the Burns family as a memorial to faculty member Dr. Susan Burns, who passed away in 1999. Dr. Burns joined the WMU chemistry faculty in 1996 after serving as a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at the State University of New York-Syracuse, where she received her Ph.D. Dr. Burns conducted research on the interaction of natural organic matter (including humic acids) with pesticides in water. Her work significantly assisted Great Lakes researchers and regulators from the U.S. and Canada to better regulate pesticide use and disposal.