UC Davis microbiology major Madeline Handy is one of twenty students nationally to be recognized with Phi Beta Kappa’s Key into Public Service Award. The award, introduced this year, recognizes students who have demonstrated interest in working in the public sector and possess a strong academic record in the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. 

Handy is a fourth-year microbiology student with a passion for research and public service. A member of the Research Scholars Program in Insect Biology, she is an intern with the Vannette Laboratory, where she conducts independent research analyzing the microbiome of the Valley Carpenter Bee. When Handy isn’t conducting research, she is often working on projects to help her community. She is the Financial Chair for the UC Davis chapter of the Prytanean Women’s Honor Society where she conducts extensive campus and community service, and as an intern for the Mayor of Davis, she helped establish a Respite Center for the local homeless community. Handy is also a member of the University Honors Program. 

Exemplary UC Davis Spirit 

Handy’s receipt of the award exemplifies the UC Davis spirit of conducting research for the public good. She looks forward to a career where she can combine her passion for microbiology research with her devotion to serving others, and she believes that more scientists need to be involved in politics and policy- making decisions. After graduation, she hopes to perform research with a government agency such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or the Food and Drug Administration.

Handy was selected from over 600 applicants across the nation. She received a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship and took part in a virtual convening in late June to participate in training, mentoring, and reflection on pathways into active citizenship in the tradition of Phi Beta Kappa’s founders. 

Meet the 2020 Key into Public Service Scholars