Sarah Lum wins funding for research that could ease backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › Sarah Lum wins funding for research that could ease backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits Sarah Lum wins funding for research that could ease backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits Published: October 12, 2017 Author: Nora Kenney Sarah Lum Three months after receiving the Young Scientist Award at the 2017 International Symposium on Microscale Separations and Bioanalysis, Sarah Lum is celebrating another win. The fourth-year doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of 10 2017 recipients of the high-profile Graduate Research Fellowship in STEM from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The fellowship funds promising graduate students whose research aligns with the mission of NIJ, to advance the U.S. Department of Justice through scientific approaches. Lum’s project involves developing a novel bioanalytical instrument for the forensic analysis of sexual assault evidence. Specifically, she hopes to address the national sexual assault kit testing backlog that jurisdictions across the country currently face. Lum’s investigation is somewhat unprecedented at Notre Dame, which does not house a formal forensics department. She has had to rely upon collaboration with external forensic experts and crime laboratories. Yet she also credits the versatile and specialized support she has received from the Notre Dame community for much of her success. Lum’s adviser, Norman Dovichi, the Grace-Rupley Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has played a pivotal role in furthering Lum’s investigation. In addition, Lum worked extensively with Ian Gerdon, a fellowship consultant with the Graduate School’s Office of Grants and Fellowships, to fine-tune her application to the NIJ. “Our office helps graduate students win support for their research and careers,” Gerdon explained. “In Ms. Lum’s case, this was particularly easy and rewarding: She came to us with a fantastic project and a lot of drive, and we’re thrilled that she has received the recognition and support from the NIJ that she and her research deserve.” Lum says she was filled with excitement and gratitude upon receiving the award. If you are a graduate student interested in using the services offered by Grants and Fellowships, please contact gradgrants@nd.edu. Originally published by Nora Kenney at graduateschool.nd.edu on October 10, 2017. Posted In: Research Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related October 05, 2022 Astrophysicists find evidence for the presence of the first stars October 04, 2022 NIH awards $4 million grant to psychologists researching suicide prevention September 29, 2022 Notre Dame, Ukrainian Catholic University launch three new research grants September 27, 2022 Notre Dame, Trinity College Dublin engineers join to advance novel treatment for cystic fibrosis September 22, 2022 Climate-prepared countries are losing ground, latest ND-GAIN index shows For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn