Two Bioengineering Graduate Students Receive George M. Bevier Fellowships
An influential geologist’s legacy is supporting two PhD students at the University of Pittsburgh.
Peyton Leyendecker and Leon Min, both PhD candidates at the Swanson School of Engineering Department of Bioengineering, are recipients of the George M. Bevier Fellowship in Engineering. This fellowship supports programs in bioengineering, sustainability, and energy resources and provides full stipend support and scholarship for both students in academic year 2024-2025.
Peyton Leyendecker
Leyendecker is a first-year PhD student working under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Badylak, professor of surgery, and Dr. George Hussey, assistant professor of pathology. Focusing on extracellular matrix-based tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, Leyendecker investigates matrix production and matrix-bound nanovesicle (MBV) deposition across various cell and tissue types, including bacteria and keratinous tissues. By examining how MBVs influence matrix signaling and mechanical properties, they aim to contribute to the development of more sophisticated and functional biomaterials and therapies.
“Since I am just beginning my PhD journey, I am incredibly honored to have been selected for this fellowship.” Leyendecker said. “Thanks to the financial support this fellowship provides, I can dedicate myself fully to my research and studies without worrying too much about finances. In time, with the help of this fellowship, I can start establishing myself within the field of bioengineering and complete meaningful tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research.”
Leon Min
Min is a first-year PhD student in the Medical Scientist Training Program under the mentorship of Professor of Bioengineering Jonathan Vande Geest. With the aim of enhancing therapeutic outcomes for cardiovascular disease, Min develops innovative tissue engineered vascular grafts which address problems associated with current grafts such as intimal hyperplasia and thrombosis.
“I’m honored to have been selected for the Bevier fellowship— it has given me the freedom to explore the vast research resources and supportive mentorship opportunities available at the University of Pittsburgh.” Min said. “This scholarly exploration promotes my professional growth and encourages my continued progress in the field I’m passionate about.”
About George M. Bevier
George Bevier, a petroleum geologist who received the Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1913 from Pitt's School of Engineering, is credited as the inventor of a seismograph used to locate the presence of oil and gas fields. In addition to inventing a seismograph, Bevier was one of the first geologists in the nation to combine geology and geophysics in the exploration of oil and gas, techniques which contributed to his discovery of the main production area of the Conroe oil fields in Montgomery County, Texas, one of the leading fields of oil and gas production in the state and nation. His lengthy and successful career with private corporations, the U.S. government, and as an independent geologist brought him many honors, including an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 1937 and a School of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1964, both from Pitt.