Students work on lab coursework. Photo by Rajah Bose.
Gonzaga’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program (STEM) now offers a new donor-funded supportive and academically rigorous program. The Science Scholars Program, which provides scholarships funded through the Gonzaga Scholars Program, was designed to build on the University’s strong science departments and broaden access to science by recruiting under-represented minorities.
“We aim to graduate the next generation of scientist leaders in medicine and research,” says professor Nancy Staub, who also directs the Science Scholars Program. “Without a diverse community of scholars here, we wouldn’t be able to meet that goal.”
Five students were accepted into the program for the first year, 2012-13, and each student receives a $5,000 scholarship guaranteed for four years. “Being a part of this program has helped me realize that science is always changing and that there is always more to learn,” says Yachana Bhakta, a current biochemistry major entering her sophomore year. “It helped me create great connections with peers in the same field and with the biology faculty,” adds Rahmi Nemri, another biology major, who’s minoring in business and international studies with a focus on Arabic and the Middle East.
“The first cohort is a dynamic, bright group of students,” Staub describes. “They already are helping mentor other students and some work as teaching assistants. I am looking forward to their future contributions to our programs.”
If you would like to support the Science Scholars Program with a gift, please contact Stephanie Rockwell, director of the annual campaign, at (509) 313-6404 or rockwell@gonzaga.edu. Additionally, you can give online at www.gonzaga.edu/giveonline and designate your gift to Gonzaga Scholars Program.