HPU Natural Sciences Fellow Receives Scholarship to Conduct Research in Germany
High Point University sophomore Jake Ankrum, a Natural Sciences Fellow majoring in biochemistry and physics, has been awarded the Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) scholarship in Germany. Ankrum is one of only 350 RISE scholarship recipients out of more than 3,100 applicants from across the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Ireland.
HIGH POINT, N.C., March 12, 2026 – High Point University sophomore Jake Ankrum, a Natural Sciences Fellow majoring in biochemistry and physics, has been awarded the Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) scholarship in Germany.
Ankrum is one of only 350 RISE scholarship recipients out of more than 3,100 applicants from across the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Ireland.
This is the first time an HPU student has received a scholarship from the RISE program, which promotes international exchange for talented, young scientists on their way to a successful career. Recipients receive financial support to conduct research at German universities while developing their intercultural skills.
“This fellowship represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study alongside scientists from across Europe who are pushing the boundaries of molecular biology,” said Ankrum, who is from Monument, Colorado.
Ankrum will be conducting research at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, which specializes in imaging molecules in living cells.
“My project focuses on developing the next generation of imaging technology that enables scientists to observe cellular processes in real time,” Ankrum said. “These tools will help paint a clearer picture of our body’s microscopic machinery and will improve our understanding of molecular diseases, such as cancer or Alzheimer’s.”
Dr. Keir Fogarty, an HPU associate professor of chemistry who serves as Ankrum’s Natural Sciences Fellows advisor and research mentor, celebrated Ankrum’s success. He said Ankrum’s passion for research was apparent from the moment he joined Fogarty’s lab as a freshman.
“I have simply never seen a research student grow so quickly, learn methods so effectively, and generate ideas so prolifically in such a short amount of time,” Fogarty said. “His creativity, technical proficiency and leadership are exemplary, and I was convinced from the moment he applied that he was a shoo-in for the RISE opportunity.”
Ankrum also worked with Dr. James Cotton in HPU’s Office of National Fellowships and Awards to apply for the scholarship.
“His guidance provided the confidence and preparation I needed to put forward a competitive application,” Ankrum said.
HPU students who would like to learn more about fellowships should contact Cotton in the Office of National Fellowships and Awards.