July 17, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Former UAB women's soccer player Philo Mbong has been selected as one of the recipients of the prestigious Alabama Lois Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to the Doctorate Fellows beginning in the 2007-08 school year at the University of Alabama.

The program, which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation, grants each recipient a stipend for two years to pursue a degree in one of the STEM disciplines. A STEM discipline includes those areas of science, engineering and mathematic graduate studies.

"I am extremely proud of Philo," said UAB women's soccer head coach Paul Harbin. "What a great honor for her and for our program to be accepted into such a prestigious program. Philo has worked extremely hard as a student and as an athlete. It's wonderful to see her rewarded this way."

To be eligible for the fellowship, a candidate must have obtained a bachelor's degree in a STEM program with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, participated in an undergraduate LSAMP program, have been accepted into the University of Alabama Graduate School, meet the requirements of a STEM graduate department or program and be committed to pursuing a doctoral degree in a STEM discipline.

Mbong, who earned her bachelor's degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, in May, 2006, finished her undergraduate career with a grade point average of 3.28.

Along with her accomplishments in the classroom, Mbong also served as a two-year starter at defender for the Blazers' women's soccer team, while earning four varsity letters. She earned various honors for her efforts on the field, including the 2005 Nike Classic All-Tournament team, C-USA Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 6, 2005 and the team's Most Improved Player award at the conclusion of the '05 season.