Howard University Biomedicine Student Christopher McGinley Awarded $5K Scholarship For Brain Repair Research
Christopher McGinley, an M.D./Ph.D. candidate in biomedical sciences at the Howard University College of Medicine, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Award. According to a university news release, McGinley will receive $5,000 in recognition of his academic performance, leadership, and research in biomedical sciences.
The Thermo Fisher Antibody Scholarship Program provides financial awards to undergraduate and graduate students conducting research in antibody, immunology, or molecular biology. Recipients are selected based on academic achievements, research proposals, and leadership activities.
McGinley graduated summa cum laude from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a degree in cell and molecular biology. At Howard University, his research focuses on how the endogenous molecule Neuregulin-1 guides brain repair after stroke. Using advanced mouse models, he studies the spatial and temporal mechanisms involved in neuroregeneration.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Thermo Fisher,” McGinley said, according to the release. “This award supports my research on brain repair while also motivating me to continue mentoring and serving the next generation of physician-scientists.”
Byron Ford, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Anatomy and associate dean of research at Howard University College of Medicine and McGinley’s research mentor, commented on his work.
“[Christopher is] a scholar whose commitment to both science and mentorship exemplifies the qualities this award celebrates,” Ford said per the release.
Outside of his research, McGinley serves as research chair for the Howard University chapter of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and participates on the career development committee of the American Physician Scientists Association. According to the university, he also annotates 3D brain MRI reconstructions for neurosurgical research and mentors undergraduate and new medical students.
McGinley balances his academic and research responsibilities with time spent with family. He and his wife, Mackenzie, have an infant son named Roman.
