APRIL 20, 2021 — An impressive 11 UTSA students and alumni were among a select group to receive a prominent award to advance their graduate research education.
The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and supports students with outstanding potential as future science, technology, engineering, and math research leaders, and who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited institutions.
UTSA’s newest award recipients are:
Addtionally, Naomi Alyafei, Talha Khan and Joshua Ramirez received honorable mentions.
The prestigious fellowship provides the recipients various benefits such as three years of financial support, an annual stipend of $34,000, and $12,000 cost-of-education allowance to the institution they’re attending, to name a few.
Being selected for the NSF Fellowship is no simple task. Applicants are required to produce two original essays: a Personal, Relevant Background and Future Goals Statement; the other being a Graduate Research Plan Statement. The students also submit three letters of recommendation by a national panel of engineering and science faculty. Next, the applicants are reviewed for success in their careers. The students also must demonstrate the ability to develop a strong research plan, succeed with their graduate study, and have broad impacts on society. Only 15% of applicants are chosen to receive the fellowships.
“These are highly competitive fellowships,” said Eric Brey, UTSA Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. Endowed Chair of Biomedical Engineering. “They are the oldest graduate fellowships and select students who are expected to be lifelong leaders in their field.”
With these fellowships, the students are set to pursue doctoral degrees at a variety of universities.
“Many haven’t made their final decisions but they will end up at some amazing places like Cal Tech, Rice, MIT and Stanford,” Brey said.
Favour ObusehThere, the students will participate in high-level research and perform outreach to have a broader influence on the community by increasing science understanding, education and impact.
When asked what led him to apply for the NSF Fellowship, Favour Obuseh replied that he had heard about it through UTSA’s Maximizing Access to Research Careers – Undergraduate Student Training and Academic Research (MARC-U*STAR) program. Through MARC-U*STAR, Obuseh had participated in seminars that emphasized the importance of NSF GRFP awards.
“It was crazy when I got the email,” Obuseh said. “I was filled with joy and excitement knowing that I was recognized as a student with research potential and promise.”
Obuseh went on to explain that his future goal is to contribute to the field of tissue engineering and biomaterials through research innovations.
“I have a short-term goal of completing a successful and transformative Ph.D.,” Obuseh said. “The NSF award allows me a greater degree of freedom with choosing a lab for my Ph.D.”
Kennedy HowlandKennedy Howland said she was encouraged by mentor Francisca Acosta, an alumna of UTSA’s biomedical engineering graduate program, to pursue the NSF Fellowship and now that she’s received it, she says it’s going to make a big difference in her life.
“I am honored to have been selected for this fellowship and to me it represents an acknowledgement of the hard work and research I have participated in throughout my undergraduate career at UTSA,” Howland said. “I plan to pursue a career in biomedical research and I plan to always be involved in STEM outreach. The resources associated with this NSF Fellowship will undoubtedly help me reach these goals.”
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Come experience a Hispanic Market with us!
Rowdy StatueWe will be reading For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez. We will meet on Zoom to discuss the book. The book is free for students who request it, please email multicultural@utsa.edu to request the book and/or to join the Book Club and receive messages and information about this and future readings and discussions.
Virtual EventCome and practice your Spanish in a friendly and engaging environment! You will also learn about Hispanic cultures with us as we play games, watch videos, sing, and participate in many other language and cultural activities! All levels are welcome! ¡Nos vemos!
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusIn partnership with UTSA Libraries and the Consulado General de México en San Antonio, Carriqui will host Ven a Tomar, where guests will sample mezcal, cocktails and unique bites to celebrate UTSA's Mexican Cookbook Collection.
Carriqui, 239 E Grayson St San Antonio, TX 78215The UTSA Orchestra will be performing Rapsodia Mexicana, a captivating concert celebrating Mexican music and the confluence of cultures in South Texas. Joined by organist Colin Campbell (Texas A&M International University) and UTSA's Mariachi Los Paisanos, watch as the orchestra brings to life the essence of Hispanic culture through their powerful performances.
UTSA Recital Hall, Main CampusA fun night for UTSA students to relax and play loteria. Student Success Centers will also have recourses for students to learn more about programs and services.
Denman Ballroom (SU 2.01.28,) Main CampusCome play a game of Loteria sponsored by the UTSA College of Education and Human Development (COEHD), UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts (COLFA) and UTSA Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Willow Room (SU 2.02.12,) Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to ending generations of discrimination and inequity. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
