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Over the past six years, 83 students at �鶹ֱ�� benefited from the National Science Foundation’s grant to improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) scholastic and career opportunities for low-income students. 

To celebrate the achievements of its STEM scholars, �鶹ֱ�� hosted a success celebration, welcoming alumni back to campus to reconnect, reflect on their educational journeys, network with one another, and share how the program helped shape their academic and professional paths. The event was made possible thanks to the support of the �鶹ֱ�� Foundation, the NSF grant, and Dean Moni Bind-Berger.

“I feel both honored and excited that we were able to provide these transformative opportunities for our students through the support and high-impact practices that contributed to their learning and success,” said Dr. Renu Bhagat Kumar, Director/Principal Investigator of the NSF STEM programs and Biology Faculty at �鶹ֱ��. Reflecting on the accomplishments of the scholars, Dr. Kumar noted that words can hardly capture the pride she feels in seeing students reach their goals. 

“I’m incredibly proud of all they have achieved,” said Wendy Naughton, Co-PI and Chemistry Faculty. “I appreciated the opportunity to connect at the STEM Scholars celebration with so many alumni who were supported by the NSF S-STEM grant during their time at �鶹ֱ��. I am inspired by their accomplishments, their enthusiasm for their STEM career journeys, and their commitment to encouraging and supporting one another.”

At �鶹ֱ��, high achieving, low-income students participated in the initiative to secure opportunities to obtain bachelor’s degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics. When the grant opportunities began, �鶹ֱ�� President Sharon Pierce shared, “The NSF seeks to increase the number of academically talented students with demonstrated financial needs who earn degrees in STEM fields. It also aims to improve the education of future STEM workers and to generate knowledge about academic success, retention, transfer, graduation, and academic/career pathways of low-income students.”

During the event, several alumni reflected on their educational and professional journeys since graduating from �鶹ֱ��. 

Maryia Daniliuk emphasized the impact of mentorship on her success. “Mentorship was extremely important to me,” she said. “Everyone’s journey is different, but it was helpful to have someone who had my back. As an immigrant, I didn’t know how to navigate the U.S. education system. My mentors walked alongside me. I would also like to thank NSF, Dr. Naughton and specifically Dr. Kumar for providing me with research opportunities, helping me and supporting me to get me to where I am today.” Maryia Daniliuk is a senior at the University of Minnesota pursuing a degree in biochemistry and working in a cancer biology research lab at the University’s Medical School.

Sadie Taggart, who first learned about the scholarship while tutoring fellow students in math and chemistry at the �鶹ֱ�� Academic Success Center, reflected on the impact the program had on her academic and professional development. “I was drawn to the scholarship because it offered both financial support and mentorship,” she said. “In the end, it was an absolutely amazing experience, and it’s still on my résumé today. In fact, I recently secured an internship at Boston Scientific, and my participation in the program was a significant talking point during the interview process. Through the program, I discovered the potential of research and learning and realized the sky was the limit in terms of the opportunities available to me.” Sadie is currently a junior studying mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota. She recently joined a university research team focused on solar-powered race cars and will travel to Australia to participate in an international competition. 

Justin Third emphasized the impact the undergraduate research experience at �鶹ֱ�� had on his journey. “It gave me practical experience working with Brian Huilman, my best mentor. I also want to thank Renu, the rock of this program who pushed me to be better. The relationships you make in the program are very impactful. I presented at State Capitol and National Conferences and to-date I actually work with an AI-based community that runs on automation; we have 500 people on a regular basis and I would not be able to talk to 500 people if I was not forced to talk to five people in my first Winchell symposium.” Justin Third currently works in AI and Automation of Excellence at Fairview Health System.

Jewel Ferguson faced significant challenges after high school, including leaving college and experiencing the loss of her mother. After enrolling at �鶹ֱ��, she found the support she needed through the STEM scholarship, which enabled her to attend school full time and focus on her academic goals. “The grant helped solidify my plans and life goals, and I’m excited to see where it will take me in the future,” she said. With the support of the program, Jewel earned two associate degrees at �鶹ֱ��, one in environmental science and one in biology. She will attend the University of Minnesota this fall.

Matthew Partlow discovered the profound value of environmental science both personally and as a member of the Ojibwe Tribe under the stewardship of the grant. Through his studies, he gained a deeper understanding of the importance of sharing environmental knowledge and promoting education that encourages stewardship of the earth and care for natural resources.

Deontre Lofton said the scholarship served as a vital source of support during his time at �鶹ֱ��, allowing him to pursue his degree, benefit from mentorship and guidance, and successfully transfer to Augsburg University, where he is currently continuing his studies.

�鶹ֱ�� reports that scholars who received NSF STEM scholarships consistently achieve higher grade point averages than the overall student population. This success is attributed, in part, to the comprehensive support provided through the program, including financial assistance, mentorship, research opportunities, internship connections, and access to robust college support services. The program has also contributed to higher student retention and completion rates, underscoring its positive impact on academic achievement and student success.