News
News and Announcements
Meet Nikita Nel, a remarkable Briggsie who is also a member of the 2023 Homecoming Court
September 21, 2023 - Tiffany Werner
Briggsie Nikita Nel, from Toledo, Ohio, was selected to be a member of the 2023 MSU Homecoming Court. Nel is a Lyman Briggs student and a member of the Honors College, majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology/biotechnology and minoring in bioethics.
LBC community members share words of wisdom at the start of the semester
August 28, 2023
Dean Cheruvelil and nine Briggs alumni share words of wisdom and welcome to the newest class of Briggsies
Krysta Foster takes new Associate Director of Career Services role to advance student access to career resources
August 8, 2023
This new role aligns with the LBC 2032 Strategic Plan goal of offering every student the opportunity to engage in high-impact learning experiences and to explore diverse career pathways.
LBC mathematics professor honored with national teaching award
July 27, 2023
Dr. Abraham Edwards has received a prestigious award from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA)
LBC-Sociology associate professor receives prestigious National Science Foundation award for their work in the social and historical aspects of reproductive health
July 13, 2023 - Karessa Weir
Associate Professor stef shuster has received a CAREER grant from the US National Science Foundation, the most prestigious award offered for early-career researchers.
History, Philosophy & Sociology of Science faculty group adopts new, more inclusive name
June 29, 2023
The History, Philosophy & Sociology faculty group will now be known as the Science and Society faculty group.
Dr. Melissa Charenko receives prestigious MSU Teacher-Scholar award
May 18, 2023
Melissa Charenko, assistant professor in Lyman Briggs College and the Department of History, has received the 2023 Michigan State University Teacher-Scholar Award
2023 Spring LBC Commencement
May 5, 2023
289 Briggsies will be graduating on May 7, 2023. We are so proud of these students! Remember, once a Briggsie, always a Briggsie!
2023 Senior Class Speakers Kaitlyn Eberhardt and Harsna Chahal share what they've learned outside the classroom
May 3, 2023
College is a time of academic growth, of course. But it's also a time of deep personal growth. Our two LBC Senior Class Speakers share insights from their time in LBC.
Dr. Farhan Bhatti, CEO of Care Free Medical, is LBC's Spring Commencement alumni speaker
May 2, 2023
Dr. Farhan Bhatti is a board-certified family physician and is currently the CEO and Medical Director of Care Free Medical, a nonprofit organization serving thousands of low-income, underinsured, and uninsured adults and children from across Metro Lansing.
Briggsies earn awards at the LBC Research Symposium supported by MSUFCU
April 26, 2023
The premier event of the LBC Research Symposium, now in its 16th year, was held April 24.
27 graduating Briggsies earn MSU awards for 4.0 GPAs throughout college
April 25, 2023
The MSU Board of Trustees' Award is given to the graduating students who have earned a 4.0 grade point average throughout their college careers.
Lyman Briggs College holds 16th annual Research Symposium April 24-28
April 22, 2023
Through the generous support of the MSU Federal Credit Union, independent research and honors options presentations will be eligible to win the MSUFCU Grand Prize Award for the Lyman Briggs Research Symposium, which includes a $1000 award.
3 LBC faculty members receive AT&T Excellence in Teaching with Technology awards
April 17, 2023
Physics faculty members Katie Hinko, Kirtimaan Mohan, and Vashti Sawtelle earned the award for innovating Lyman Briggs Physics Studio courses
10 Briggs student athletes honored at the 2023 Academic Excellence Gala
April 13, 2023
The annual event celebrates MSU student athletes in their third semester or later, who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
Over 100 Briggsies to present at university research forum
April 10, 2023 - Blythe White
UURAF, the University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum, is the campus-wide research and creative activity showcase for undergraduates.
Briggsie Victoria Fex earns prestigious Goldwater Scholarship
April 3, 2023
Victoria (Toria) Fex has been named a recipient of the nationally competitive Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. MSU has produced 53 Goldwater Scholars in
Briggsie Krystal Jang earns Spartan Volunteer Service Award for volunteering over 550 hours in one year
March 20, 2023 - Blythe White
Krystal has volunteered for the Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention team, the Hoffmann Lab, and has even volunteered doing medical service abroad
Briggsie Amber Proudfoot nominated for prestigious scholarship
March 8, 2023
Amber Proudfoot was one of three MSU students to be nominated for the national Udall Scholarship
A Curiosity for Life: Ted and Paula Lupina
March 1, 2023 - Blythe White
It was a love of life, passion for education, and gratitude that led Paula Lupina to recently establish the Ted & Paula Lupina Endowed Scholarship, on behalf of her late husband, Briggs alum Ted Lupina. Here is an account of their life together.
Resources for Briggsies moving back to campus
February 17, 2023
We know that coming back to Holmes Hall will be difficult for some students, and we are anxious to re-connect with you. Therefore, I want to share our plans to help ease this transition and support the Briggs community in the coming days.
Feb. 15 Message from Dean Cheruvelil following February 13 events
February 15, 2023
I am writing to follow up with more information about today’s vigil and with updates about mental health resources (including animal visits) that are available.
Message from Dean Cheruvelil following February 13 events
February 14, 2023
In the face of so much we don't know, we must rely on one another and our communities for support.
Awardees Named for MLK Advancing Inclusion through Research Awards
February 14, 2023
MLK Advancing Inclusion through Research Awardees Announced
2022 Fall Commencement
December 16, 2022
We are so proud of the 85 Briggsies graduating from Lyman Briggs College December 17
15 Briggsies earn prestigious MSU Board of Trustees Awards
December 15, 2022 - Maria Rifioti and Blythe White
15 fall-graduating Briggs students earned the highest scholastic achievement: a 4.0 grade point average for their college careers. In doing so, they received the MSU Board of Trustees' Award.
Memo to the Board of Trustees Regarding MSU Interim Presidential Search
October 21, 2022
Dear Members of the Board of Trustees, Thank you for the opportunity to meet yesterday to discuss the characteristics required of our interim president.
Dean Cheruvelil responds to President Stanley's resignation
October 14, 2022
Our commitment and our core mission remain steady
Briggs alum Tamika D. Payne receives the MSU Alumni Service Award for 2022
September 19, 2022 - Aimee Klevorn
She is an international expert in reducing gender-based violence, a humanitarian and a Spartan.
Briggs alum receives 2022 MSU Young Alumni Award
September 19, 2022 - Aimee Klevorn and Zach Komorowski
He’s a family medicine physician, CEO, political activist, and a Spartan.
Message to the MSU Faculty Senate
September 13, 2022
Message from Dean Cheruvelil and many academic leaders in the University
U.S. News & World Report gives MSU highest ranking in seven years
September 12, 2022 - Sydney Hawkins
For the fourth year in a row, MSU’s learning communities are ranked No. 4 overall and No. 1 among public institutions in the 2023 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report
Message to the MSU Board of Trustees and other members of the MSU community
September 8, 2022
A message from Dean Cheruvelil and others in the Deans Council
First-year Briggsies invited to Briggs Fall Welcome
August 25, 2022
A great way to connect with mentors, faculty, advisors, student orgs, and the dean
PFAS Report: LBC's Dr. Kevin Elliott offers highlights of CDC guidance
July 28, 2022 - Sydney Hawkins, University Communications
Kevin Elliott helped produce an objective and authoritative review of current evidence regarding the human health effects of PFAS
LBC Dean's statement on Roe vs. Wade
June 24, 2022
A message from the dean to Lyman Briggs College students
Faculty Voice: Finding joy in providing care to trans and nonbinary people
June 9, 2022 - stef m. shuster, LBC faculty member
I spend much of my professional life teaching about and researching gender-based inequalities in science and medicine. While there is lasting inequity in trans medicine specifically and medicine more broadly, recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about joy.
Dr. Abe Edwards receives Distinguished Teaching Award from the Mathematical Association of America, Michigan Section
May 20, 2022
The award recognizes one faculty member annually who has extraordinary undergraduate or graduate teaching success in mathematics.
LBC students Bailey Bowcutt and Calista Busch awarded prestigious national Goldwater Scholarships
May 18, 2022
Two Lyman Briggs College rising seniors, Bailey Bowcutt and Calista Busch, were awarded the 2022 Goldwater Scholarship.
Dr. stef m. shuster awarded 2022 MSU Teacher-Scholar Award
May 11, 2022
Dr. stef m. shuster is one of the recipients of the 2022 Michigan State University Teacher-Scholar Award. shuster is a sociologist of gender and medicine, appointed in Lyman Briggs College and the Department of Sociology.
2022 Spring Commencement
May 7, 2022
We are so proud of the 365 Briggsies graduating from Lyman Briggs College.
Summer 2022 Courses
April 27, 2022
Students can earn credits toward their majors/minors conveniently online this summer.
Dr. Vashti Sawtelle Receives Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award
April 12, 2022
Dr. Vashti Sawtelle, associate professor of physics in Lyman Briggs College and the MSU Department of Physics and Astronomy, was one of three professors selected for the 2022 Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year Award from the Michigan Association of State Universities
LBC Focus: Picture A Scientist
March 29, 2022
In April, LBC is exploring issues of gender and inclusion in STEM through a series of live and virtual screenings of the powerful 2020 documentary "Picture A Scientist" and a panel featuring scientists and educators who will speak of their research and their experiences in STEM.
New art in LBC highlights the danger plastic pollution poses to marine life
February 17, 2022 - Blythe White
A large-scale art installation has been installed in the Holmes Dining Hall by artist, scientist, educator, and LBC alum Maris Polanco. ETERNAL: BLOOM highlights the danger plastic pollution poses to marine life.
Students Earn MLK Jr. Advancing Inclusion through Research Award
February 16, 2022 - Blythe White
Four MSU students whose research and creative activity supports the ideals of inclusive excellence through topics of inclusion, diversity, marginalized populations, and civil rights, have received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Advancing Inclusion through Research Award.
Provost recommends Kendra Spence Cheruvelil to be dean of Lyman Briggs College
February 3, 2022 - Blythe White
MSU Provost Teresa K. Woodruff, Ph.D. has recommended Kendra Spence Cheruvelil to be the next dean of Lyman Briggs College, effective February 11, 2022. This recommendation is subject to approval by the MSU Board of Trustees. Cheruvelil has served as interim dean in the college since December 2020.
Capturing moths, and kids' curiosity about science
November 8, 2021 - College of Education communications
MothEd, a project from LBC's Dr. Peter White and Create for STEM's Dr. David Stroupe, wins $2.4 mil. grant from the National Science Foundation to promote moth ecology and develop scientific curiosity in elementary school-aged children nationwide
Briggsies Eliot Haddad and Maddy Niblock serve on 2021 MSU Homecoming Court
October 1, 2021 - LBC Communications
Haddad and Niblock, both members of the Honors College, were two of only ten Homecoming Court members selected from across the university.
LBC welcomes--and welcomes back--Briggsies
August 20, 2021 - LBC Communications
Information about College Colloquium for first-year students; words of advice from former students, safety reminders, and a virtual tour of academic spaces
Rudolph named LBC Assistant Dean of Student Success and Advising
July 1, 2021 - LBC Communications
Niki J. Rudolph, Ph.D. is joining Lyman Briggs College as its Assistant Dean of Student Success and Advising, starting July 1, 2021.
Dean's summer message to Lyman Briggs alumni
June 30, 2021 - LBC Communications
LBC interim dean Kendra Spence Cheruvelil shares her reflections on the last year and the road ahead for the LBC community
Dr. Jennie Orr Thomas and Daniel Thomas establish a new scholarship for diversity, equity and inclusion in Lyman Briggs College
June 29, 2021 - LBC Communications
LBC alumna Dr. Jennie Orr Thomas (Class of 1973) and her husband Daniel Thomas donated $100,000 to establish a new scholarship in Lyman Briggs College
Foundational Briggs staff member, Mary Sheridan, remembered by Lyman Briggs community
June 28, 2021 - LBC Communications
Lyman Briggs College is saddened by the passing of one of its longest-serving and beloved former staff members, Mary Sheridan, who died this year.
Briggsies chosen to present research on Capitol Hill
May 5, 2021 - LBC Communications
Two LBC students — Grace Bonnema and Tushya Mehta — were selected to present their research at the Council on Undergraduate Research’s 2021 Posters on the Hill event April 27-28.
2021 Spring Commencement
April 30, 2021
We are so proud of the 306 Briggsies graduating from Lyman Briggs College.
Briggs Research Showcase Awards
April 20, 2021
This year, the Briggs Showcase featured 53 projects. The evaluation period ended April 19 and thanks to generous support from the MSU Federal Credit Union Dean’s Choice grant, we are able to recognize the standout achievements with monetary prizes.
Briggs Research Showcase Now Open
April 14, 2021
Undergraduate research is a distinctive part of the Briggs experience. Traditionally, we have celebrated research in a live, in-person poster competition. This year, we are proud to introduce the asynchronous online Briggs Showcase.
Two Briggs alumni share their experiences facing the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual event
March 31, 2021
In late March, we hosted a conversation with Briggs medical professionals Dr. Zafar Shamoon, DO, Dr. Michael VanRooyen, MD, MPH, and LBC faculty member Mark Waddell who took us behind the scenes of the front lines in the battle against COVID-19.
LBC offers large number of courses in Summer 2021 sessions A and B
March 31, 2021
Lyman Briggs College is offering a much larger slate of summer LB courses than ever before. Summer can be a convenient time to fulfill course requirements. We are happy to support our incoming and continuing Briggsies in this way.
Two LBC faculty earn prestigious 2021 All-University Awards
March 10, 2021 - Beth Brauer and Blythe White
Lyman Briggs College is proud to announce that two of our faculty have earned distinguished All-University Awards from Michigan State University. These awards are given annually to a small number of outstanding faculty and staff within the university.
Students from Residential Colleges Use Research Projects To Advance Inclusion During Pandemic
February 15, 2021 - RCAH Communications
Four Michigan State University students have received Martin Luther King Jr. Advancing Inclusion through Research Awards for research projects focusing on topics related to diversity and marginalized populations.
Residential Colleges Awarded Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant
February 9, 2021 - Samantha Troutman
MSU's three residential colleges awarded a Creating Inclusive Excellence Grant to create an Advancing Racial Equity and Advocacy Program
Seven Briggsies earn MSU Board of Trustees Awards for 4.0 GPA throughout college
January 19, 2021
In Fall 2020, 7 of the 29 MSU students from across MSU who earned the MSU Board of Trustees Award for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average throughout college were Briggsies.
Kendra Spence Cheruvelil appointed interim dean of Lyman Briggs College
December 18, 2020 - Blythe White
The MSU Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Kendra Spence Cheruvelil as the interim dean of Lyman Briggs College. Cheruvelil has been serving as responsible administrator in the college since November 11.
Briggsies create a digital care package of resources for finals week
December 8, 2020
LBC Peer Advising Assistants Serene Abu-Hamdan, Blerta Prenaj, and Abby Struble support their peers in a creative way this finals season, with a digital care package of resources.
LBC co-sponsors MSU Women in STEM online event
December 1, 2020
Five MSU colleges will proudly host the online MSU Women in STEM conference on Tuesday, December 8.
LBC gives thanks for our students
November 25, 2020
A Thanksgiving message from Dr. Kendra Spence Cheruvelil and a special video from college personnel.
Leadership Transition
November 13, 2020
On November 11, 2020, Dr. Michele H. Jackson resigned as dean of Lyman Briggs College and will be returning to the faculty. We are grateful to Dr. Jackson for her dedication and service to the college the last two years.
Dr. Sharon DeGraw named HPS major/minor coordinator
October 20, 2020
In her new position, DeGraw will meet with students interested in majoring or minoring in the history, philosophy and sociology of science (HPS) and help them to customize courses and pursue research in humanistic perspectives of science.
Kellie Walker, LBC senior, serves on 2020 Homecoming Court
September 22, 2020 - Aimee Klevorn and Beth Brauer
Kellie Walker, an Austin, Texas resident, reflects on her Spartan experience and shares what being on Homecoming Court means from afar.
Meet the Faculty
September 3, 2020
Meet some of the first-year Briggs faculty in a series of video interviews with Undergraduate Learning Assistants.
Welcome to the Fall 2020 semester: LBC alumni share their thoughts and advice
August 28, 2020
Welcome to the Fall 2020 semester! We asked former LBC students, our alumni, to contribute words of welcome and advice for incoming and continuing students.
LBC senior makes PPE in GM plant during the summer
August 27, 2020 - Blythe White
LBC senior Brendan Wiley worked at GM's transmission plant in Warren, MI this summer, making N-95 masks and face shields for front-line medical workers
Joint MSU, U-M project studying effect of inclusivity on STEM faculty receives $1.4 million grant from National Science Foundation
August 22, 2020 - Cameron Rudolph
CLIMBS-UP, a collaborative research project between MSU and U-M to study inclusive environments in science, technology, engineering and math within academia, has been awarded a three-year, $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
Fall semester changes
August 18, 2020
Your safety is always my paramount concern, and I support the President’s decision. At the same time, I recognize the disappointment that many of us may feel about not having the opportunity to come together this fall.
Message from the Dean: Looking ahead to fall
August 13, 2020
More than ever, the world needs students who are curious about science and passionate about how solutions come from understanding science in its larger contexts. Whether you are continuing your Briggs education, or just beginning, your education couldn’t be more relevant to our world.
Briggs students take part in summer research symposium
August 5, 2020
40 LBC students were among 260 undergraduate presenters at the Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences (Mid-SURE), presented virtually this year
Summertime programs to ease the transition for first-year Briggsies
August 5, 2020 - Krysta Coleman
The Briggs community has banded together to create a network of support for our incoming students.
New platform connects alumni and students through mentoring
June 10, 2020 - Krysta Coleman and Sarah Dickinson
Joining MSU Connect and Briggs Connect is an easy way to contribute to community and career development of Briggs alumni and students.
LBC INC. statement against systemic racism
June 4, 2020
As a community, it is our responsibility and duty to spend time in educating ourselves and listening to Black voices and looking toward Black leadership for instruction.
Dean's Response to Racial Violence
June 3, 2020
Dean Michele Jackson shares a personal reflection about the recent events
Workman establishes fund for diversity, equity and inclusion at LBC
June 2, 2020
Kent Workman has continued his life of service by recently establishing a fund to further diversity and inclusion at Lyman Briggs College and at Michigan State University.
Briggs Kindness Project brings alumni messages to graduating Class of 2020
April 29, 2020 - Sarah Dickinson, LBC Alumni and Donor Relations Coordinator
Heartfelt messages written by alumni were sent to graduating students as part of the #BriggsKindnessProject
Messages from the Dean regarding COVID-19
April 24, 2020
"...how do we persist on those things that are important to our future, even if they seem to be overwhelming today?"
ULAs Needed for Summer 2020
April 17, 2020
Become an undergraduate learning assistant for LB:270 this summer!
New LB Summer 2020 courses
April 16, 2020
In order to create as many opportunities as possible for our students to maintain their desired timelines towards graduation, and in response to the cancellation of some programs, LBC has increased the number and range of online summer courses in Summer 2020.
FAQ created for LBC students
March 19, 2020
An FAQ has been created for LBC students, families, and visitors.
Dr. Robert Pennock publishes new book on scientific character
February 28, 2020
An Instinct for Truth: Curiosity and the Moral Character of Science was recently published by MIT Press
Statement of Solidarity for Asian and Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans
February 20, 2020
Message of solidarity for our Asian and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American students, faculty, staff, and advisors
Maxine Davis named LBC Director of Education Abroad and Away
January 15, 2020
In this role, she will coordinate and oversee LBC’s education abroad and away opportunities.
LBC biology professor receives national award
January 6, 2020
Peter White, an assistant professor of biology in Lyman Briggs College and the Department of Entomology, recently received an award from the National Association of Biology Teachers.
One Day. One Goal. One Big Thank You
December 20, 2019 - Sarah Dickinson
Your generosity helped us have the most successful Give Green Day to date. Over $11,000 were raised in one day for Lyman Briggs College students.
LBC alum Dr. Mark Kay receives MSU Distinguished Alumni Award
November 26, 2019
In October, Dr. Mark Kay, (LB class of 1980), returned to East Lansing to receive the MSU Distinguished Alumni award, which is given by the MSU Alumni Office to those alumni who have obtained the highest level of professional accomplishment in their field.
It All Adds Up: LBC celebrates annual support from alumnus Mark Schwartz
November 25, 2019
LBC alumnus Mark Schwartz has always been fascinated by weather and climate. Mark believes that a good education doesn’t just provide career options for graduates, it helps them weather the storms of life.
Tuesday, December 3 is Give Green Day
November 4, 2019
This year, LBC is raising funds for the LBC Book Scholarship. You have the opportunity to support future Briggsies by ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
Briggs undergrad researcher wins award at premier international conference
October 29, 2019
For LBC senior Hasaan Hayat, a Briggs senior with dual majors in neuroscience and human biology, the opportunity to work in the Precision Health Program as an undergraduate researcher both confirmed his interests in technology and medicine, and helped illuminate his career path.
College Statement on Recent Events
October 23, 2019
A message from the LBC Dean and LBC INC regarding the race-based events on campus in October that left many of us shocked and concerned
MSU alumnus establishes new endowment for Lyman Briggs College: the Claybourne Petrey STEM Scholarship
July 3, 2019
Lyman Briggs College recently received a planned gift from Attorney R. Claybourne Petrey, Jr. to establish the Claybourne Petrey STEM Scholarship. This scholarship—made via charitable bequest—will support students who promote the importance of the work of women in STEM.
Cross-cutting research collaborations awarded grants
July 1, 2019
Nine cross-cutting research collaborations between MSU units were recently awarded grants by the Science and Society at State, or S3, program, led by LBC's Dr. Sean Valles.
Dr. Robert T. Pennock given one of MSU's highest honors
June 21, 2019
Lyman Briggs professor at the juncture of biology and philosophy named University Distinguished Professor
Before Holmes Hall Stood at the Corner of Shaw and Hagadorn
May 23, 2019
Did you know that before 1953, when Michigan State College (MSU’s name at the time) broke ground to build new residences—Holmes Hall—that homesteads and farms dating back to the 1860’s stood at the corner of Shaw Lane and Hagadorn Road?
Jerry Urquhart named LBC associate dean for research & faculty affairs
May 20, 2019
Jerry Urquhart named LBC associate dean for research & faculty affairs
Interview with Outstanding Senior Malcolm Davis
May 8, 2019
Each year the Michigan State University Senior Class Council recognizes up to 25 outstanding seniors in the graduating class. This year, one of those outstanding seniors graduated from Lyman Briggs College: Malcolm Davis.
LBC Alumna Laura Comilla Gives Commencement Address
May 6, 2019
During her remarks at commencement, Comilla used her platform to recognize others who had helped her along the way. She said, “When I look at my collegiate and professional successes, it never ceases to amaze to that it has never been done alone, I’ve always had a mentor.”
Lyman Briggs Teaching Assistants Receive Awards from Department of Entomology
May 1, 2019
Two graduate student TAs for Briggs Bio courses earned high honors at the Entomology Awards
2019 Research Symposium
April 23, 2019
For students at Lyman Briggs College, research is an important part of coursework and career development. Each April, the college features research during the Lyman Briggs Research Symposium.
Q & A with Young Alumni Award recipient Shannon Wilson
March 15, 2019
LBC alum Shannon Wilson awarded Young Alumni Award from the MSU Alumni Association
Isaac Record named director of experiential learning
February 6, 2019
Dr. Isaac Record named Director of Experiential Learning
Dr. Mark Waddell named Special Advisor to the Dean
February 4, 2019
Dr. Mark Waddell appointed Special Advisor to the Dean.