The Barb Puder and Family Scholarship for Biology and Psychology

The Barb Puder and Family Scholarship for Biology and Psychology was established in May 2021 by Barb Puder, class of 1996, in recognition of The University of Akron’s 150th Sesquicentennial Anniversary. In 1993 Barb, returned to school after her husband Eric’s devastating brain cancer diagnosis. As a student, she cared for him and her two young children while also working to support her family. After graduating from The University of Akron with a major in Biology, Barb earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from NEOUCOM, now known as Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Kent State University. She teaches medical neuroscience courses at Samuel Merritt University in California and facilitates neuroscience community outreach programs designed for learners in grades K- 12 entitled “Get to Know Your Brain!”

A proud University of Akron alumna, Barb is a strong advocate for higher education. Through her generosity she hopes to help current students better focus on their studies, as well as give back to their communities, and help end the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Scholarship recipients may be enrolled full-time or part-time as undergraduate students in The University of Akron’s Department of Biology and/or the Department of Psychology’s Mental Health Counseling concentration. Students must be in good academic standing and have financial need. Recipient selection will be determined by the University Scholarship Committee.