Utah Valley University is pleased to announce that the UVU College of Science has been awarded nearly $1.5 million by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Utah Valley University (UVU) is pleased to announce that the UVU College of Science has been awarded nearly $1.5 million by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant will provide at least 40 need-based scholarships that promote student engagement in chemistry, physics, and earth science. Aside from tuition benefits, the NSF funding will also allow STEM (science, technology, education, and math) students to conduct research.
“This program will provide students with opportunities to conduct research and to develop personal mentorship relationships with members of our faculty,” said Daniel Horns, Dean of the College of Science. “Involvement in research and mentoring relationships are both proven to increase retention and completion.”
Joshua Lothringer, assistant professor of physics and the principal investigator on the project, said the scholarships would be combined with a faculty mentorship program, campus and community events, and research and professional development courses. The goal is to enhance preparation, retention, diversity, and outcomes.
“The students that graduate through this program will meet the growing regional and national need for a highly trained STEM workforce,” Lothringer said. “The new program builds off of the previous PRO-STEM program in physical sciences and similar programs in biology and engineering.”
The College of Science has received several grants similar to this one from NSF. Horns said each built a reputation for success.
“The NSF has seen that our faculty step up to serve as effective research mentors and personal mentors and that our students respond exceptionally well,” Horns said. “In fact, the NSF is aware that there has been nearly 100% retention among students involved in similar programs.”
The grant funding opens the door of opportunity for more students to achieve their dreams of completing a college degree and becoming part of the state of Utah’s scientific workforce.
“UVU will produce more scientists to help grow the Utah economy,” Horns said. “Scientists with expertise in chemistry, earth science, and physics are key to the development of Utah’s high-tech, defense, biomedical, and energy industries.”
The grant spans six years and will provide up to $7,500 in full-tuition scholarships for up to four years, supplemented by funding to support original research and professional development.
For more information on UVU’s College of Science, visit uvu.edu/science.
