Contributed photo
Contributed photo
To recruit transfer students for energy-sector careers, SIU-Carbondale has selected its first group to receive energy scholarships — averaging approximately $7,000 annually each for two years — thanks to a $1 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for undergraduate transfer students.
The Southern Illinois Energy Scholarship is designed as a two-year stimulus aiming to enlist and retain those students looking to transfer to the institution after attending community college and who are interested in energy-industry careers.
The NSF grant functions as a cross-disciplinary project involving multiple departments invested in STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
“This program is so important to SIU Carbondale and to these students in particular,” Fran Harackiewicz, professor of electrical and computer engineering and project leader, said. “Energy jobs are expected to increase in the state, and many people on campus and locally are leading energy research and projects.”
The inaugural group of recipients includes Joshua Friedrich, Tanna Gillespie, M. Sophie Hall, Kyle Kieffer, Aviance Mckinzie, Emily Peterson, Courtney Rudloff, Malika Asford-Smith, Michelle Smithenry and Joseph Stark.
Karen Renzaglia, professor of plant biology and a distinguished scholar, and Lizette Chevalier, associate dean of the College of Engineering, will assist Harackiewicz with the program. Renzaglia said the scholarships will boost students’ prospects for securing highly skilled and high-paying positions.
Electrical, mechanical and mining engineering -- along with physics, chemistry, plant biology, geology, geography and architecture -- are but some of the possible career choices for students. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, financial need and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
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