Wartburg College senior Courtney Larson was one of two students to receive an R.J. McElroy Graduate Fellowship.

Larson, a biology major with minors in environmental science and chemistry from Plymouth, Minn., will receive up to $30,000 paid over three years as a fellowship recipient. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in ecology and entomology at Michigan State University.

“Field work, especially that involving aquatic ecosystems, has been a highlight of my Wartburg experience. I love working outdoors,” Larson said.

Larson also gained critical research lab experience working with Dr. Roy Ventullo, biology professor and director of undergraduate research.

“The exciting part about my future research at Michigan State University is that it will incorporate my field work and lab experiences,” she said, adding her research focus will be on the interactions between aquatic insects and microbes.

“Wartburg has given me the unique skill set to fit perfectly with this research.”

Wartburg President Darrel Colson, in his letter of recommendation, praised Larson for her work in the classroom and on campus.

“Courtney has excelled in the classroom, earning high marks and recognition as the outstanding senior in biology,” Colson wrote. “… Her exciting plans to pursue graduate studies in the area of aquatic ecology are a testament to the desire she has to succeed in a uniquely focused, yet interdisciplinary environmental field.”

Larson also has been a student senator, chemistry tutor, and concertmaster for the Wartburg Chamber Orchestra. She has qualified for membership in the Alpha Chi, Phi Eta Sigma, and Beta Beta Beta honor societies.

Katrina Okerstrom of Luther College also was awarded a fellowship.

The fellowship, established by the McElroy Trustees in 1983, is designed to “encourage persons of accomplishment, intelligence, integrity, and leadership ability to pursue challenging academic careers.”