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Jun. 21, 2012
Funding Science Research
Trinity University to offer STEM grants to as many as 50 undergraduates
SAN ANTONIO - Academically strong students at Trinity University students who need financial assistance to obtain science degrees will benefit from a new FASTER (Financial Aid for Science and Technology Students Enhanced with Research) grant.
As many as 50 students majoring in the sciences, technology, engineering science, or mathematics (STEM) may be eligible for the $5,000 grants that will be awarded annually. The National Science Foundation (NSF) grants are designed to replace student loans and are renewable for up to four years.
Wilson Terrell Jr., associate professor of engineering science, will be the principal investigator for the program. The co-principals are chemistry professor Michelle Bushey and Dennis Ugolini, associate professor of physics and astronomy. Funding is expected to continue until April 30, 2017.
The first year's award is more than $136,000, and contingent on the availability of funds and the scientific progress of the project, NSF expects to continue support at more than $463,000 for the 2013 budget year. Obtaining the FASTER grant is especially competitive, and only 80 awards are given annually, Terrell said.
Trinity will use the FASTER program primarily as a recruiting tool for prospective students, by selecting entering students during each of the four years of the grant, Terrell said, adding that first-generation and underrepresented students will be heavily targeted. Declared STEM majors will be encouraged to apply.
Additionally, 12 summer Fellowships will be available for FASTER recipients who will receive a $4,000 summer research stipend and $1,000 for research related expenses. Under the summer programs, Trinity faculty will provide mentoring and career placement counseling services to broaden student perspectives and improve their college experience.
A major NSF goal has been to support colleges and universities with STEM programs to meet the increasing national need for scientists and engineers.
