The Laborde Earles Cancer Scholarship celebrates students who intend to pursue an education in medicine, public health, and related fields. When awarding the scholarship’s $2,500, the scholarship selection committee hopes to find a student whose dedication to public health stands out from their peers.
This year, the firm proudly awards its scholarship to Liam Chelkowski. Chelkowski intends to pursue a chemical engineering degree with a minor in business while attending Cornell University. Laborde Earles looks forward to supporting his education as he continues to explore the relationship between these two fields of study.
Challenging the Regulatory Framework of Product Design
Chelkowski approached the questions posed to him by Laborde Earles’ Cancer Scholarship like a scientist would a publishable paper.
The scholarship application asks students to think critically about how frequently the average person finds themselves exposed to cancer-causing products. Students must then write a letter to their Congressperson advocating for regulatory advancements.
Chelkowski identifies regulatory gaps, including inadequate labeling techniques, limiting product testing, and insufficient regulatory enforcement policies, before recommending policy enhancements. What’s more, he approaches the question of improved regulation from economic and social perspectives.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientCrafting a Point-by-Point Argument for Change
Chelkowski’s multi-prong approach to the improved control of cancer-causing substances recommends that today’s manufacturers benefit from:
- Comprehensive pre-market testing with regularly updated testing strategies
- Improved labeling requirements, including clear and accessible information about hazardous chemicals
- A broader regulatory scope designed to address cancer-causing substances that don’t enjoy wide public recognition
- Increased funding for policy enforcers in addition to funding to improve regulation enforcement programs
- Wider access to non-cancer-causing alternatives via grants and business incentives
Chelkowski also pushes for a public awareness campaign that might improve societal knowledge about the cancer-causing ingredients in household objects. He posits that “informed consumers are better equipped to demand safer…practices,” suggesting that the force of public opinion might hasten the removal of carcinogenic ingredients from everyday goods.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientBasing Policy Development in Comprehensive Research
Chelkowski bases his entire argument on a comprehensive body of study and actionable policy changes conducted in the European Union (EU):
“The European Union (EU) has implemented the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, which serves as a robust model for chemical Safety,” he says. “REACH requires companies to identify and manage the risks linked to the substances they manufacture and market in the EU.”
He further establishes the factual nature of his argument with a comprehensive bibliography – not required by the scholarship application, but a mark of the thought he put into his essay. This wealth of research, concluded with a pathos-filled plea to Congressman Cory Mills, blew the scholarship selection committee out of the water.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientGetting to Know Liam Chelkowski
It’s no surprise Chelkowski’s essay reads so much like a scientific publication, considering his education. He looks forward to graduating from Cornell University in 2027 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. What’s more, he consistently helps professionals in Alabi Lab create peptides to prevent the spread of MeV and SARS viruses.
However, Chelkowski isn’t entirely immersed in the sciences. He intends to minor in business, marrying two fields in hopes of finding a happy medium between green energy and public medical practices.
Keeping Busy On and Off of Campus
Chelkowski stands out from the crowd with his wide array of extracurriculars. Not only is he a fierce student, but he’s also a member of Social Business Consulting, which helps startups and nonprofits pursue their goals on a pro-bono basis.
He also works with the Cornell International Affairs Committee, the Undergraduate Research Board, and the Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars.
Sounds busy enough? There’s more on Chelkowski’s plate. He also helps the University of Alaska Fairbanks research alternative energy solutions in an Arctic Climate, suggesting a degree of competency and experience that would make Chelkowski an invaluable addition to any professional team.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientWhat to Know About Laborde Earles’ Cancer Scholarship
Laborde Earles’ 2024 Cancer Scholarship welcomes applicants intent on pursuing a degree in toxicology, public health, medicine, and all related fields. Students interested in applying for the scholarship are encouraged to thoughtfully consider what impact daily exposure to cancer-causing ingredients in common household items may have on public health.
Laborde Earles specifically wants students to draft their thoughts on policy changes that may limit exposure to cancer-causing ingredients as though they’re writing a letter to their Congressperson. Submissions may be no more than 1,000 words in length and must be attached to a student’s scholarship application as a PDF.
Our team will announce the opening of next year’s scholarship application acceptance period in 2025.
Let’s Celebrate Liam Chelkowski
The personal injury lawyers with Laborde Earles once again applaud Liam Chelkowski for the creation of his comprehensive and well-researched scholarship essay. It’s clear that Chelkowski embodies the core values that Laborde Earles uses to meet – and exceed – client expectations.
The team is proud to offer Chelkowski $2,500 to dedicate toward his continued education. We hope he’s able to use those funds to pursue his chemical engineering degree with less financial stress.
Students interested in following in Chelkowski’s footsteps can visit the Laborde Earles Cancer Scholarship terms and conditions page to learn more about next year’s applicant requirements. Laborde Earles looks forward to celebrating more students’ achievements in the years to come.