The Student Employment Office recognized Cell and Molecular Biology student Sara Sietsema as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Student Employee Scholarship, an honor awarded to students who demonstrate leadership, dedication, innovation, and a commitment to supporting others.

Selected from more than 30 nominees across campus, Sara was recognized for her growth as a student researcher, leadership within the laboratory, and dedication to creating a supportive environment for her peers. Learn more about the award from Student Employment here. 

Sara joined the GVSU Molecular Monitoring Laboratory (MoM Lab) in 2024 as a student molecular analyst working with the Kent County Health Department on wastewater surveillance for infectious diseases.

What began with learning laboratory fundamentals quickly grew into opportunities to perform advanced molecular techniques and take on increasing leadership responsibilities.

As experienced team members graduated, Sara stepped into a mentoring role, helping train new student employees and creating the same welcoming environment that once helped her succeed.

Today, Sara helps lead development of a mosquito surveillance initiative focused on monitoring pathogens including West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), and Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV).

The work requires creativity, collaboration, and persistence as the team develops and refines new scientific protocols and tackles complex research questions together.