TXST incoming graduate students, alumni receive NSF GRFP awards, honorable mention

Among this year's recipients is Christopher (Chris) Martinez, who received his bachelor of science in May with a major in electrical engineering and a minor in applied mathematics.

A veteran of two military branches, Martinez will pursue his graduate studies at TXST, starting in fall 2024 with a master's degree in engineering with a concentration in electrical engineering, under the direction of Maggie Chen, Ph.D. He hopes to continue his graduate training at TXST in the proposed doctoral program in electrical engineering under review by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Another incoming graduate student, Madison Glenwinkel, was also named an awardee in this year's competition. Glenwinkel applied to the NSF GRFP as an undergraduate senior at the University of Nevada, Reno, and she will pursue a master's degree in anthropology with a concentration in biological anthropology under the advisement of Elaine Chu, Ph.D., beginning in fall 2024.

Fellows receive three years of funding for their graduate education during a five-year period. For each year of support, NSF provides a $37,000 stipend and a $16,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees.

The fellowship is tenable at any accredited institution in the United States, and one of this year's recipients plans to begin her award at Central Washington University. Kayla Tellez applied as an undergraduate senior double majoring in biology and anthropology and will pursue a master's degree in primate behavior.

In addition to the three awardees, Josie Cohen received the commendation of “Honorable Mention.” A double alumna of TXST, Cohen earned her master of science in geography in May and her bachelor of arts in international relations in December 2020. She has been accepted into a fully funded Ph.D. program at the University of Notre Dame.

This year's applicants were supported by an expanded fellowship advising team, said Andrea Hilkovitz, Ph.D., and Brian Smith, DMA, TXST's coordinating officials for the NSF GRFP. Cathlin Noonan, who holds a joint appointment in the IDEA Center and in The Graduate College, now advises undergraduate applicants for this and other awards that support graduate study in coordination with The Graduate College's external funding coordinators.

“Rising seniors have a unique opportunity to apply to the NSF GRFP,” Noonan said. “In my work with students, I mentor applicants by helping them coordinate graduate school applications alongside the GRFP application. Workshops and one-on-one fellowship advising meetings, along with group Q&As throughout the summer, help applicants prepare competitive application material. Chris is a prime example of an applicant who engaged with our office and resources every step of the way.”

Peter Golato, Ph.D., director of the IDEA Center housed in the Honors College, stated, “We aim to engage students at every level, from their first semester on campus with research-adjacent professional development workshops all the way to when they decide to apply to graduate school. Part of that crucial work is assisting students with fellowship applications to support the transition from undergraduate to graduate study. The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is a great example of a culminating application for students who have been learning research skills throughout their undergraduate career here.”