Honoring a Passion for Discovery: The Dr. Maria E. Sabbatini Research Scholarship Endowment
The Dr. Maria E. Sabbatini Research Scholarship Endowment honors Dr. Sabbatini's lifelong dedication to scientific discovery, student mentorship, and academic excellence.
More Information:
Dr. Maria Eugenia Sabbatini was a distinguished scientist, educator, and mentor whose impact on Augusta University's College of Science and Mathematics continues to be felt by colleagues and students alike. Originally from Argentina, Dr. Sabbatini earned her PhD in physiology from the University of Buenos Aires before continuing her scientific career in the United States as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan. In 2013, she joined Augusta University's Department of Biological Sciences, where she quickly became known for her exceptional dedication to research, teaching, and service.
Throughout her career, Dr. Sabbatini pursued innovative research focused on pancreas physiology and pancreatic cancer, contributing important discoveries while fostering collaborations across disciplines and colleges. Her commitment to scientific inquiry was matched by her enthusiasm for mentoring students and supporting fellow researchers. Colleagues admired her collaborative spirit, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering work ethic, qualities that helped build meaningful partnerships throughout the university and advanced opportunities for research and discovery.
Even in the face of advanced kidney cancer, Dr. Sabbatini remained deeply committed to the work she loved. She continued conducting research, mentoring students, publishing scholarly work, and serving the university community throughout her treatment. Her resilience, determination, and passion for science left a profound impression on everyone who knew her. Following her passing in October 2024, Dr. Sabbatini's legacy lives on through the countless students, colleagues, and collaborators whose lives and careers were enriched by her guidance and example.
Annual Award:
A scholarship will be awarded annually to a full-time Biological Science student who is either a sophomore, junior, or senior with a 3.2 GPA or higher. They must also be engaged in an undergraduate research project and submit a faculty nomination letter from their research project mentor, along with an essay describing the project and their interests. Scholarship may be awarded for either one semester or one academic year. Recipients will be selected based on merit, then need.