This news item is about: Holger Sondermann, Robert N. Noyce assistant professor of life sciences and technology, was recently named one of 20 exceptional researchers selected as 2008 Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences. As a Pew Scholar, he will receive a $240,000 award over four years to help support his research, as well as gain inclusion into a unique community of scientists that encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Sondermann Sondermann will investigate how harmful bacteria are able to form biofilms-microbial blankets that shelter their residents from attack by antibiotics. His work could lead to the development of novel antibiotics for eradicating difficult-to-treat infections.