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Ut Prosim Scholar Award

The “Ut Prosim Scholar Award,” the university’s top honor for faculty, was established by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors in 2016 to recognize singular instances of the application of scholarship in truly extraordinary service to humanity.

Carla Finkielstein, an associate professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and the Virginia Tech College of Science, directs Virginia Tech’s Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory and leads the laboratory’s COVID-19 testing operations.


The recipient’s accomplishments exemplify the spirit of the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). The selection procedure, form, and value of the award are determined by the President of Virginia Tech and ratified by the Board of Visitors. 

2021 Ut Prosim Scholar Award

Carla Finkielstein

Carla Finkielstein, director of the Molecular Diagnostics Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, for her work to improve COVID-19 testing efficiency and effectiveness in support of both Virginia Tech and local health districts.

Linsey Marr

Linsey Marr, Charles P. Lunsford Professor, for her research and efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and effectively educate the public on safety protocols during the pandemic.

2016 Inagural Ut Prosim Scholar Award

Marc Edwards

Marc Edwards, Charles P. Lunsford Professor and University Distinguished Professor, and his team, for applying science in the public interest to assist the community of Flint, Michigan, during the city’s water crisis.

Mona Hanna-Attisha

Mona Hanna-Attisha, founder and director of the Michigan State University-Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, and her team, for applying science in the public interest to assist the community of Flint, Michigan, during the city’s water crisis.