July 29, 2022

Sam Nodiff of Elmsford, New York, has been awarded a Fellowship worth $8,500 by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi-the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Nodiff is one of only 62 recipients nationwide to receive a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship.

Nodiff received a bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary science  and a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. As a Phi Kappa Phi Fellow, Nodiff will pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Since its creation in 1932, the Fellowship Program has become one of the Society’s most visible and financially well-supported endeavors, allocating $649,000 annually to outstanding students for first-year graduate or professional study. This year’s program awarded two awards at $35,000 each, the 1897 Fellowship and the Sherrill Carlson Fellowship; six $20,000 Marcus L. Urann Fellowships, named for the Society’s founder; and 54 fellowships of $8,500 each.

The selection process for a fellowship is based on the applicant’s evidence of graduate potential, undergraduate academic achievement, service and leadership experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement of educational perspective and career goals, and acceptance in an approved graduate or professional program.

Phi Kappa Phi Fellowships are part of the Society’s robust portfolio of award and grant programs, which gives $1.3 million each year to outstanding members and students on chapter campuses through study abroad grants, graduate fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

To see the complete list of 2022 Phi Kappa Phi Fellows, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/2022Fellowships(link is external).

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and universities in the United States, it territories and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is “To recognize and advance excellence in all fields of higher education and society and engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org(link is external).

Sam was dual major earning a B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Science and a B.A. in Music. Sam was attracted to UMass because it provided him with the opportunity to learn from and conduct research with well established and well known scientists as well as continuing his studies in classical piano.

Sam joined the Arcaro Lab where he assisted with setting up a study analyzing the immune response in breast milk after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the potential immunity transferred to infants through breastfeeding. Sam also participated in the Canine Tumor Project with Dr. Arcaro. Sam’s Honors Thesis was titled “Using Tetra-Primer ARMS-PCR To Detect SNPS in Canine Mammary Tumors.”

As a Music Major, Sam studied Classical Piano with Professor Gilles Vonsattel, performing in many recitals in Bezanson Hall as well as playing with chamber groups and accompanying other music students.

In addition, Sam was the Vice President of Social Action for Ruach Board at Hillel where he planned social action events, worship services, and social activities. As a Wellness Intern at Hillel, Sam participated in public outreach to students to promote emotional wellness and as a member of the Active Minds Club Member, Sam worked to destigmatize mental illness on campus.  As a National Residence Hall Honorary Member, he participated in volunteer activities supporting the campus and the greater community.