Kathleen Athearn, a junior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY, received the Founders Award of Excellence in Biochemistry and Biophysics. The prestigious award is given annually to students who embody qualities of creativity, discovery, leadership, pride, and responsibility. Kathleen is the daughter of Martin and Judy Athearn, and granddaughter of Philip and Constance LaViolet all of Westbrook .