Alumni & Development
About Hanna Kolodziejski
Hanna Kolodziejski won the hearts of many while she worked on her doctorate at Indiana University. A talented student and researcher, Hanna earned numerous awards, including the Covalt Scholarship for academic science achievement, the J. H. Coon Science Prize, and the Arts and Sciences Dissertation Year Research Fellowship. Passionate about teaching, Hanna was an associate instructor for five different EEB courses. She also shared her passion for science by mentoring undergraduates and judging student science fairs. Hanna was very active in community outreach. Before coming to IU, she worked with AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps program. Here in Bloomington, she was a wildlife rehabilitator, worked with a local homeless shelter, and participated in marathons to raise money for cancer research. It’s not surprising that Hanna earned the Herman B Wells Fellowship in recognition of her leadership, academic abilities, and social consciousness. What is surprising is that she accomplished so much while waging her own battle with cancer.
Despite her illness, Hanna realized her goal of earning her Ph.D. from the Department of Biology in the spring of 2007. She went on to her dream job, joining the Biology Department faculty at Keene State College in New Hampshire. She loved the two courses she was able to teach, one an introductory class and the other for senior biology students. Sadly, Hanna’s dreams were cut short. On February 3, 2009, she lost her courageous battle against cancer. She was only 32.
Despite all that Hanna endured, she never lost her sense of wonder about the natural world, her optimism about the potential for good in everyone, nor her appreciation for the scientific process and the value of education. Hanna continually strived to make this world a better place, through small steps and by encouraging others to take those small steps alongside her. Through this fund we honor her devotion by fostering the development of others who, as Hanna always did, strive to make this world a better place through scientific inquiry, education, and community service.
Hanna Kolodziejski Fellowship
Please join us in honoring the memory of Hanna Kolodziejski by supporting a graduate fellowship for Indiana University students who, like Hanna, excel in research and teaching, while striving to improve their community.
About the Kolodziejski Fellowship
The Department of Biology and the Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior (CISAB) established a fellowship in Hanna’s name in the spring of 2009. This endowment will fund an annual award for a Biology or CISAB graduate student who shows academic talent in both research and teaching, while demonstrating a commitment to the community through community service or outreach programs. The fellowship will be open to all CISAB and Department of Biology graduate students, with a preference given to members of CISAB and Evolution, Ecology & Behavior (EEB) students.