$500,000 National Science Foundation grant to support STEM students

The College has been awarded nearly half a million dollars over the next five years to provide scholarships and other support for selected students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines. 

Profs. Christina Tonnesen-Friedman, left, and Ann Anderson will direct the CT Scholars program.

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Enlarge Profs. Christina Tonnesen-Friedman, left, and Ann Anderson will direct the CT Scholars program.

The "Supporting Scholars in Science and Engineering" grant from the National Science Foundation provides $499,983 through 2012 for designated Converging Technologies (CT) Scholars who will be encouraged to take an interdisciplinary approach to their studies. Scholarship support for two groups of 10 students over five years will be offered by application to incoming students based on both need and merit.

The objective of the program is to attract and retain talented students, especially from groups traditionally under-represented in STEM fields, who can become innovators and leaders.

"These students will be mentored and prepared for leadership roles and have the interdisciplinary team experience needed in today's science and engineering workplace," says Therese McCarty, interim vice president for academic affairs.

Cherrice Traver, dean of Engineering and Computer Science, and Doug Klein, dean of Interdisciplinary Studies and Special Programs, worked with Jill Salvo, associate professor of Biology and director of the College's Government Grants Program, on the successful proposal. 

The CT Scholars program will be directed by Professors Ann Anderson (Mechanical Engineering) and Christina Tonnesen-Friedman (Mathematics).

For more information about the program, visit http://www.union.edu/Scholars/ct_scholars.htm.