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  • Here’s What You Need To Know About H-1B Visa

    Here’s What You Need To Know About H-1B Visa

    The H-1B visa is a type of work visa in the United States for specialist professionals. It allows foreign people with specialized professional abilities, either through a degree or work experience, to live and work in the United States.

    Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton are among the top-ranked business schools in the United States, making it the most popular choice for business school applicants globally.

    An H-1B visa is required for international MBA and business master’s students who wish to remain and work in the United States permanently after graduation.

    So, what is an H-1B visa exactly? What is the H-1B visa application process? So what are the H-1B visa requirements?

    H1B visa validity

    The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals to enter the United States temporarily. H-1B visa holders are able to live and work in the United States for three years, after which they can extend their stay for another three years if they like. So you have a total of six years to stay in the United States on an H-1B visa.

    When your maximum stay in the United States expires, you must depart or apply for a new status, such as F-1 student, O-1 ‘special ability’ worker, or Green Card.

    To extend your H-1B visa beyond three years and reach the maximum term, a petitioner must file Form I-126 on your behalf. Your petitioner may be your present or new employer.

    H1B Visa Eligibility

    Highly skilled foreign nationals are granted H-1B visas through a lottery system. To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must have a bachelor’s degree and work in one of numerous specialty occupations, such as business or management.

    Fortunately, H-1B visa rules benefit MBA and business master’s degree holders. Because there is so great demand for the H-1B visa, only a limited number of visas may be granted annually. The visa ceiling for 2023 has been set at 65,000 per year.

    Applicants holding a master’s degree from a US university are eligible for an additional 20,000 visas, increasing the total cap to 85,000.

    If the US firm sponsoring an H-1B worker is a higher education institution, a nonprofit organization linked with a higher education institute, or a government research body, the H-1B lottery cap does not apply.

    Remember that it doesn’t matter if you got your bachelor’s degree abroad as long as it’s equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in your specialty occupation from the United States.

    H1B visa costs

    Your employer will sponsor you for an H-1B visa and will typically cover the cost of the visa.

    The cost of an H-1B visa application ranges from $4,730 to $10,400, depending on the specific conditions. Fees include a $10 registration fee (now $215), a $460 filing fee, and a $500 fraud prevention and detection fee.

    There is also a $4,000 tax for businesses with more than 50 employees, more than half of whom are on H-1B or L-1 visas. The ACWIA (Training) Fee is $750 for enterprises with one to 25 full-time employees, and it rises to $1,500 for those with more than 26 full-time employees.

    Certain organizations, such as non-profits affiliated with educational institutions, government research groups, and primary/secondary educational institutions, are exempt from the ACWIA fee.

    Finally, the H-1B Premium Processing Fee is $2,805 and is normally paid by the employee. Paying this optional fee can speed up the H-1B visa process, ensuring a 15-day processing time.

    The cost of filing for an H-1B visa has just increased.The controversial increase in immigration fees by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has resulted in significantly higher expenses for H-1B visa applications.

    While the cost of the 2024 visa season remained the same, the extra price became effective on April 1st. These changes resulted in a 2050% rise in the H-1B visa E-registration fee, from $10 to $215. In addition, the H-1B petition fee has risen by 70%, from $460 to $780.

    USCIS currently imposes an Asylum Program Fee of $600 for businesses with 26 or more Full-Time Employees (FTEs), $300 for small businesses (25 or fewer FTEs), and $0 for charitable organizations.

    Every year, thousands of professionals looking to work in the United States are sponsored by some of the world’s largest enterprises, including major technology companies.

    H1B Visa Application Process

    To obtain an H-1B visa, you must be sponsored by your employer, who will petition USCIS on your behalf.

    Many companies, including top MBA recruiters such as Amazon, Apple, and McKinsey, provide H-1B sponsorship to talented international grads.

    Although your company will shoulder the majority of the expenses, this does not mean they will cover all. You must apply for the visa at the US embassy in your native country and attend an interview during which you will be asked extensive questions about your workplace and job function. If this is your first time applying, they will also take your fingerprints.

    The schedule for H-1B visa applications is as follows.

    Create a USCIS online account in February and register before the portal is closed in late March.
    The lottery is held in late March, and the winners are notified shortly thereafter.
    Employers have 90 days to file a petition after H-1B visa holders are notified in early April.

    The H-1B visa renewal process, which begins six months before your visa expires, requires similar filing fees, papers, and supporting documentation.

    H1B Visa Lottery

    Finally, your fate will be decided through a visa lottery.

    As previously said, having an MBA or master’s degree provides you an advantage, as there are an additional 20,000 visas available. Furthermore, graduates of US business schools have access to lucrative post-graduate opportunities with major businesses headquartered in the United States that will sponsor their H-1B visa.

    The average MBA income in the United States is $126,660, but graduates from top programs can make more. The sheer size of the US economy provides numerous opportunities for rising business stars, notably in innovation areas like Silicon Valley and Boston, as well as consulting and financial hubs like New York.

    Although the likelihood of obtaining an H-1B visa has increased since Donald Trump’s suspension in March 2021, recent modifications to the process will affect overseas students. One notable change is that people cannot enter the H-1B visa lottery several times in order to boost their chances of winning.

    Despite these changes, H-1B approvals have steadily increased in recent years, even when compared to pre-pandemic levels. H-1B petitions increased by 61% to 780,884 in FY 2024, surpassing the annual maximum of 85,000 by about 700,000.

    Graduates of STEM-certified programs are more likely to succeed.STEM-designated MBA and master’s programs provide courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which are popular among H-1B visa holders.

    Crucially, STEM school graduates receive a 24-month extension to their optional practice training (OPT) period, enabling them an additional two years to petition for an H-1B visa.

    What is OPT?

    International MBA or master’s students on an F-1 student visa are entitled for one year of optional practical training (OPT) in the United States related to their studies without the need for an H-1B visa.

    You can apply for OPT by requesting a recommendation from your university, up to 90 days before the end of your degree and no later than 60 days after completion.

    Although you can obtain an H-1B visa immediately after finishing your degree, most graduates prefer to undergo optional practical training first. If you wish to continue working in the United States after your OPT period expires, you must apply for an H-1B visa.

    In 2023, the US Department of State denied nearly a quarter of a million student visa applications, marking a new record for visa refusals. F-1 visas are frequently the most reliable way for students to enter the United States.

    STEM MBA or master’s graduates can stay in the United States on OPT for up to three years before applying for an H-1B visa.

    Can you move from an H1B visa to a Green Card?

    The H-1B visa, which is a dual intent visa, is a typical path to permanent residency in the United States.

    While other work visas require applicants to establish ‘nonimmigrant intent’ (intention to depart the US once the visa expires), a dual intent visa allows foreign nationals to exhibit both nonimmigrant and immigrant intent (intention to obtain permanent residency).

    The current immigration fee increases for the H-1B visa will also affect green card applicants, with application fees rising by 19% from $640 to $760.

    They can apply for green cards when their H-1B visa’s maximum six-year stay ends.

     

  • 3 Ways Finance Master’s Graduates Excel in Business Employment

    3 Ways Finance Master’s Graduates Excel in Business Employment

    Master of Finance graduates are in high demand internationally. 94% of firms in Central and South Asia and 83% in Western Europe want to hire these graduates in 2022.

    This suggests that businesses employed more Master of Finance graduates than graduates of other specialized master’s programs, such as Master of Business Analytics and Master of Accounting.

    Furthermore, Master of Finance program alumni excel not only in finance-related occupations. Two-thirds of global technology companies stated they would hire Master of Finance graduates in 2022, a larger percentage than finance and accounting firms.

    But why are Master of Finance graduates so employable? What transferable skills do students gain from this specialized degree that make them so highly valued?

    We reviewed the Master of Science in Finance program at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. W. P. Carey students graduate with a strong foundation for their future jobs, thanks to a program that combines technical knowledge and soft skill growth.

    1. Students acquire necessary technological skills.

    According to the GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey 2023, technology, software, and programming abilities are expected to rise in importance during the next five years.

    Fortunately, students at the W. P. Carey School of Business immerse themselves in technology during their nine-month Master of Finance program.

    Students learn the Python programming language through a series of classes. At the same time, AI and Machine Learning Applications in Finance is a discussion-based course that teaches students about the future of finance.

    Blockchain was one of the specific technologies mentioned by business recruiters as being beneficial to graduates. This is another area where W. P. Carey alumni can claim additional knowledge, as the add-on analytical techniques track (which extends the nine-month curriculum to 16 months) includes a dedicated lesson on blockchain.

    This technological skill also enables students to seek for high graduate earnings. In 2023, W. P. Carey alumni earned an average Master of Finance salary of $76,545, which was greater than the Master of Accounting or Master of Taxation and Data Analytics programs.

    2. Master of Finance. Graduates learn to use decision-making in finance.

    There are numerous occupations in finance that require more than just technical abilities. The ability to make decisions is critical for top-level organizational leadership, such as a chief financial officer.

    However, even as a financial advisor or financial manager, you will be required to make critical judgments on behalf of companies and clients, necessitating the capacity to weigh options and make informed decisions.

    So, as part of the basic courses for the master’s degree in finance at W. P. Carey, students develop crucial soft skills such as critical thinking, risk management, and decision-making.

    Furthermore, the final capstone project allows students to apply their knowledge to a specific aspect of financial management, such as investing and corporate finance. Students who pick the analytical techniques track can receive hands-on experience in project management and financial decision-making through an integrated internship.

    3. Students learn at the interface between finance and data.

    To succeed in future finance occupations, finance graduates will need a more broad education. As the finance industry’s digital revolution accelerates, graduates require a “wholistic business education” to fulfill evolving demands and obligations.

    Data analysis is increasingly important for financial managers. With more businesses relying on big data to make decisions, finance professionals must understand how to evaluate data and share insights with others in the organization.

    As a result, W. P. Carey’s Master of Finance program provides enough opportunities for students to practice data analysis. For example, the analytical techniques track includes a session on data mining, which introduces students to predictive analytics and data decision-making.

    Separately, Master of Finance students are looking into how to leverage data visualization to increase operational efficiency and harness the potential of data across departments.

    Finally, it is not surprising that businesses place a high value on Master of Finance graduates. With a combination of advanced technical knowledge and transferable abilities in data analysis and project management, these graduates excel in fields other than finance.

    Previous Master of Finance graduates at W. P. Carey have found different employment at Amazon, Goldman Sachs, and Vanguard. 93% of students find work within six months of graduation.

    The W. P. Carey Master of Finance program is STEM-certified, which may allow students to get a student visa extension upon graduation. This will be perfect for researching the many roles in finance and technology in the United States.

  • 10 Reasons Why You Should Get An MBA

    10 Reasons Why You Should Get An MBA

    The MBA, which stands for Master of Business Administration, has been launching careers since Harvard Business School’s inaugural MBA program in 1908.

    Today, the MBA is the most sought-after business management degree worldwide, both among students and companies.

    Top firms like Google, Amazon, and McKinsey hire thousands of MBA graduates to oversee divisions, manage difficult projects, and devise strategies.

    MBA alumni have led some of the world’s largest firms. Michael Bloomberg has one, as does Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Donald Trump sometimes claims to have one. Even Shaquille O’Neal owns one.

    What we are saying is that MBAs are cool.

    With this in mind, we interviewed MBA students, graduates, professors, MBA admissions staff, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, asking them all the same simple question: Why obtain an MBA?

    We’ve produced a list of all the reasons you should get an MBA, from advancing your career to learning new skills.

    Here’s how earning an MBA can help you advance your career.

    1. Go From MBA To CEO

    Who rules the world? MBAs. MBA graduates run some of the world’s largest companies, including Apple, Google, and JPMorgan. Andy Jassy, Amazon’s CEO, holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

    2. Double Your Earnings

    Get rich quick with a return on investment in less than four years. MBA wages in the US average above $100k, with top business schools earning up to $200k.

    3. Change Industry

    Want to go from finance to fashion, or engineering to business management? An MBA is the ideal opportunity to start over.

    More than half of business school candidates pursue graduate management education to change their job function or industry, benefiting from the opportunity to gain new skills and create new relationships quickly.

    4. Get Access To Top Employers

    MBAs are in high demand at top organizations such as Bain and Microsoft. According to Julia Sanchez, the dean of global alumni relations at Spain’s IE Business School, an MBA “opens your eyes to infinite possibilities.”

    5. Scholarships

    Although a full-time MBA program is a hefty commitment, there are various ways to fund it. Schools offer a variety of MBA scholarships, some even covering 100% of tuition.

    6. Go From MBA To US President

    You can acquire an MBA in practically any place in the world, and even MBA programs closer to home can serve as a springboard for travel.

    7. Study Abroad

    Why pursue an MBA? With an MBA, the world is your oyster, since top business institutions offer MBA programs all over the world.

    If you’ve always wanted to work in a particular nation, such as the United States, consider enrolling in an MBA program to learn about the work culture and develop connections for a post-graduate career there.

    8. Work In The World’s Top Cities

    Top business schools are found in many of the world’s most desired cities. Where you choose to study can influence your future career.

    9. Break A World Record

    Students at London Business School set a new world record for the most different countries participating in a popular singalong. They performed John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ on the school grounds.

    10. Cross Cultures

    You can learn to operate professionally in other cultures by studying abroad, whether for the whole of your degree or simply a short trip.

    Did you know that in Japan, excessive eye contact is considered disrespectful? The more you know.

    You may even gain valuable knowledge outside of the classroom.

  • 17 Students Earn $10K Scholarships from DeBartolo Foundation

    17 Students Earn $10K Scholarships from DeBartolo Foundation

    Who is the graduating senior whose scholarship contains the two-millionth dollar from the Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Scholarship Foundation?

    There is no way of knowing. However, as 17 students were honored Wednesday, each receiving a $10,000 scholarship, the total tuition dollars donated by mall developer Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. and the charity his daughter runs in his memory surpassed $2 million.

    “I am so happy that I had his example and my mother’s example to keep me grounded, that I can do this every year, and see all these bright, happy faces,” said Denise DeBartolo York.

    “It’s very heartfelt for me. … We look at the kids based on what they have done and what they want to do and how much we can help them. There’s been many success stories over the years. They’re all doing things on their own and many keep in touch with me,” she said.

    The 17 students were selected from among 250 applicants.

    “You are part of an esteemed group to be here today and be recognized,” said Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “Obviously you made a great impression.”

    Hannon emceed the foundation’s annual luncheon for scholarship recipients and their families, which was hosted this year at The Lake Club.

    He described how DeBartolo York and her husband, Dr. John York, invited players of the San Francisco 49ers NFL team to Williamson Elementary School in Youngstown several years ago.

    Denise and John York.

     

    “We had some of the players there for 90 minutes or longer. …For those players to take the time, getting ready for an NFL game, to come to an elementary school to meet with those students… It was one of the best days I’ve had [during my] 15 years at United Way,” Hannon said. “If there’s a nonprofit in the community touching children, Denise and John are involved. And they do it in a very behind-the-scenes manner.”

    John York introduced each scholarship recipient, explaining where they would attend college and what they planned to study.

    The majority of the 17 students will attend Ohio State University, with five, followed by Youngstown State University (four) and Kent State University (three). Other colleges include Ohio University, the University of Cincinnati, John Carroll University, Grove City College, and the University of North Carolina.

    Four students intend to study computer science. Three will concentrate on medical careers, three on environmental and biological sciences, and two on business. Other areas of study include engineering, criminal justice, finance, and actuarial science.

    “There are thousands of things to do this world,” York advised. “Take time to introduce yourself to other options.”

    Zaiden Husk, a senior at Liberty High School, is considering his options. While he says that computer science is his first choice of degree, he swiftly adds, “and music.”

    In addition to basic information, the DeBartolo Scholarship Foundation requests that applicants write about an inspirational teacher.

    “I chose to write about my band director, Mr. Summers,” Husk said. “I’ve had him since fifth grade. He’s one of the reasons I fell in love with music, one of the reasons I’m majoring in music as well.”

    Symone Sierra, a senior at Campbell Memorial High School, wrote about English teacher Colleen Josh.

    “She really helped me throughout high school. I’ve had her since the 11th grade for honors English, and she’s really impacted my high school career.”

    Sierra will be a freshman this fall at Kent State and plans to major in computer science. But she also wants to go to law school – she thinks. “If I don’t end up wanting to go through the whole law school process, I’ll still have a good major, computer science.”

    Alaina Johnston, a senior at Columbiana High School, also is thinking about law school. But first she plans to major in business at Ohio State.

    “One of my biggest role models in my aunt. She did business in college and now she works for a corporate law firm in Detroit,” Johnston said.

    “All the teachers have inspired me,” she added. “I’ve had a great education and just want to make a good career for myself and a good life.”

    The 17 students who received DeBartolo Memorial Foundation scholarships were evaluated using grade transcripts, essays, and recommendations from guidance counselors and principals. Winners were chosen based on academic achievement, community activity, and financial necessity.

    In addition to Husk, Sierra, and Johnston, the students and schools where they will graduate are:

    • Hailey Barrickman, Mathews High School;
    • Christopher Cardierro, Girard High School;
    • Ava Clayton, Mathews High School;
    • Madison Dado, South Range High School;
    • Lillian Ditz, Ursuline High School;
    • Samantha Gainor, Salem High School;
    • Francesca Gratica, Ursuline High School;
    • Madison Jones, Western Reserve High School;
    • MacKenzie Kelso, Boardman High School;
    • Brooke Neilsen, South Range High School;
    • John Perry, Howland High School;
    • Ronni Swertfager, Girard High School;
    • Riely Wilson, Canfield High School;
    • Makenna Wheatley, Beaver Local High School.
  • Bowling Green State University Receives Record-Breaking Donation, Expands Scholarship Program

    Bowling Green State University Receives Record-Breaking Donation, Expands Scholarship Program

    Bowling Green State University President Rodney Rogers announced the expansion of a scholarship program with the largest donation in the university’s and Ohio’s history.

    Bob and Ellen Thompson founded the Thompson Foundation in 2014, and they intend to donate BGSU a total of $121 million over the course of the Thompson Working Families Scholarship. According to a news statement, the grant includes the prospect of an extra $30 million to extend the scholarship beyond 2035.

    “When we first created this scholarship program, we wanted to make sure the dollars were put to good use with accountability throughout the entire process,” Bob Thompson stated in a press release. “BGSU has demonstrated that this accountability model works, and we are thrilled to publicly announce our plans to grow and extend this program over the next decade. Ellen and I are delighted to assist BGSU students who are in financial need and willing to work hard at a university that has demonstrated its ability to help them and match these scholarship money.”

    The Thompson Working Families Scholarship, together with matching university funds and additional donor gifts, is intended to assist high-achieving students in overcoming financial hurdles to higher education. Since its creation, 2,200 scholarship recipients, known as Thompson Scholars, have earned $11,000 every academic year to cover tuition; candidates must meet specific standards, such as community service hours and sustaining academic progress.

    According to the press release, the average Thompson Scholar GPA was 3.59 during the 2022-23 school year. The 1,063 students currently participating in the program have accumulated 26,532 community service hours.

    Julianne Bailey, a rising senior and Thompson Scholar, believes the scholarship’s significance is incomparable. “Honestly, it’s one of the biggest achievements of my life to be able to graduate in general, but also with minimal loans,” Bailey said in an interview. “There’s no words I can say for what it means to me.”

    By 2035, the Thompson scholarship will have generated over a quarter of a billion dollars in scholarships, according to BGSU. It will also serve as one of the nation’s largest non-endowed scholarship programs. Its refurbishment will benefit an estimated 4,000 extra pupils.

    “The impact of this gift is immeasurable, and we are incredibly grateful for the Thompsons’ continued confidence in BGSU and our students,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers stated in a press statement. “Over the last ten years, we have worked tirelessly with the Thompson Foundation to pressure-test and grow this first-of-its-kind public-private partnership focused on accountability in achieving student success.” This is a truly new concept of outcome-based giving, with all parties involved – BGSU, the particular student, and the Thompson Foundation – sharing responsibility for success.”

  • Introducing 10 Hampton University Students Awarded Spotify NextGen’s scholarship

    Introducing 10 Hampton University Students Awarded Spotify NextGen’s scholarship

    Spotify is committed to elevating the voices of underrepresented communities, which begins with enabling the creators who will influence our industry’s future.

    NextGen is Spotify’s ongoing campaign to promote podcast and creative culture on college campuses. Our Creator Equity Fund (CEF) now supports HBCUs such as Spelman College, Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Hampton University.

    This year, the initiative provided $60,000 in scholarships for Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. Each student will get $6,000 for the 2023-24 academic school year.

    After a competitive selection process, we are excited to announce this year’s 10 scholarship recipients: Ayan Ar-Raheem Harris, Bella May, Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, HoneyRose Smith, Isaac Harris, Nyla Adams, Riana Ward, Samiyah Hall, Sophia Guerra, and Trinity Polk.

  • MIT Celebrates Three Scholars Honored with 2024-25 Goldwater Scholarships

    MIT Celebrates Three Scholars Honored with 2024-25 Goldwater Scholarships

    MIT students Ben Lou, Srinath Mahankali, and Kenta Suzuki have been awarded Barry Goldwater Scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year. They are among just 438 beneficiaries from throughout the country chosen based on academic merit from an estimated pool of over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors, with approximately 1,350 of them nominated by their academic institution to compete for the prize.

    Since 1989, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has awarded nearly 11,000 Goldwater scholarships to undergraduates who want to pursue research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering and have the potential to be leaders in their fields. Previous scholars have gone on to achieve an astonishing number of prominent postgraduate fellowships. Almost all, including the three MIT honorees, plan to pursue doctorates in their fields of study.

    Ben Lou

    Ben Lou, a third-year student originally from San Diego, California, studies physics and math with a minor in philosophy.

    “My research interests are scattered across different disciplines,” Lou said. “I want to draw from a wide range of topics in math and physics, finding novel connections between them, to push forward the frontier of knowledge.”

    Since January 2022, he has collaborated with Nergis Mavalvala, the dean of the School of Science, and Hudson Loughlin, a graduate student in the LIGO group, which studies gravitational wave detection. Lou collaborates with them to develop quantum measurement research and gain a deeper understanding of quantum gravity.

    “Ben has enormous intellectual horsepower and works with remarkable independence,” writes Mavalvala in her recommendation letter. “I have no doubt he has an outstanding career in physics ahead of him.”

    Lou, for his part, is grateful to Mavalvala and Loughlin, as well as all of his scientific mentors who have guided him through his research career. This includes MIT professors Alan Guth and Barton Zwiebach, who introduced him to quantum physics, as well as his first-year advisor, Richard Price; current advisor, Janet Conrad; Elijah Bodish and Roman Bezrukavnikov from the Department of Mathematics; and David W. Brown from the San Diego Math Circle.

    Lou’s future job aspirations include becoming a theoretical physics professor and studying the “fundamental aspects of reality” while also inspiring youngsters to love math and physics.

    In addition to his studies, Lou is presently the vice president of MIT’s Assistive Technology Club and is actively involved in fundraising for Spinal Muscular Atrophy research. In the future, he hopes to continue his philanthropic efforts and use his personal experience to advise an assistive technology startup.

    Srinath Mahankali

    Srinath Mahankali, a third-year student from New York City, studies computer science.

    Mahankali is an undergraduate researcher at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, having started in June 2022. Mahankali’s research focuses on robot training, and she collaborates with Pulkit Agrawal, an assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science and the head of the Improbable AI Lab. His current research focuses on training quadruped robots to walk efficiently and agents to interact in situations with limited feedback. But in the future, he wants to create robots that can perform physical tasks such as gymnastics.

    “The experience of discussing research with Srinath is similar to discussions with the best PhD students in my group,” adds Agrawal in his recommendation letter. “He is fearless, willing to take risks, persistent, creative, and gets things done.”

    Prior to attending MIT, Mahanakli was a 2021 Regeneron STS scholar, one of the oldest and most distinguished scholarships for math and science students. In 2020, he also took part in the MIT PRIMES program, where he studied objective functions in optimization problems alongside Yunan Yang, an assistant professor of mathematics at Cornell University.

    “I’m deeply grateful to all my research advisors for their invaluable mentorship and guidance,” adds Mahanakli, who also thanks PhD students Zhang-Wei Hong and Gabe Margolis, as well as Brandeis assistant professor of math, Promit Ghosal, and all of the PRIMES program organizers. “I’m also very grateful to all the members of the Improbable AI Lab for their support, encouragement, and willingness to help and discuss any questions I have,”

    Mahankali intends to pursue a PhD and eventually manage his own robots and artificial intelligence lab.

    Kenta Suzuki

    Kenta Suzuki is a third-year math major from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Tokyo, Japan.

    Suzuki is currently working with mathematics professor Roman Bezrukavnikov on research at the confluence of number and representation theory, using geometric approaches to represent p-adic groups. Suzuki has previously collaborated with math academics Wei Zhang and Zhiwei Yun, with the latter prompting him to continue research in representation theory.

    In his recommendation letter, Yun says, “Kenta is the best undergraduate student that I have worked with in terms of raw talent, mathematical maturity, and research skills.”

    Suzuki was a Yau Science Award USA finalist in 2020, earning a gold in math, and an honorable mention from the Davidson Institute Fellows program in 2021. He also took part in the MIT PRIMES program in 2020. Suzuki credits his PRIMES mentor, Michael Zieve of the University of Michigan, with giving him his first taste of math research. In addition, he thanked all of his math mentors, including the organizers of the MIT Summer Program in Undergraduate Research.

    Suzuki plans to pursue a PhD in pure mathematics after graduating from MIT, continuing his research in representation theory and number theory, and eventually teaching at a research university.

    The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was created by the United States Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater, a soldier and national leader who served the country for 56 years. Awardees get annual scholarships of up to $7,500 to help cover tuition, housing & board, fees, and books.

  • Allison Enchelmayer Earns MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention

    Allison Enchelmayer Earns MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention

    Allison Enchelmayer, a fifth-year golfer at the University of Evansville, has been recognized by the Missouri Valley Conference for her academic performance.

    Enchelmayer received MVC Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention recognition on Thursday, as the league revealed its 2024 Scholar-Athlete Teams. The Music Education – Vocal major at UE has a 3.925 overall grade point average.

    On the course, Enchelmayer finished the season with a 78.39 stroke average in 23 rounds for the Purple Aces. She tied for 11th place at The Velvet last fall, her best finish. She shot a season-low 72 in the final round of the Coyote Creek Classic.

    Her spring season was capped by a tie for 13th place at the Indiana State Invitational in April. Enchelmayer finished second on the UE squad with a 232 after posting rounds of 77-77-78 in the 2024 MVC Championship.

  • Brian Armijo Becomes First Student in Southwestern History to Win Goldwater Scholarship

    Brian Armijo Becomes First Student in Southwestern History to Win Goldwater Scholarship

    For the first time in Southwestern University’s distinguished history, a student has received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. Brian Armijo ’25, a junior biochemistry and mathematics double major, has been awarded a distinguished, nationally competitive prize for students pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

    “When I saw all the doors that this scholarship could open, I immediately thought it was something I have to apply for,” Armijo said. “I was familiar that it wasn’t something that a lot of people here at Southwestern apply for, so I thought I absolutely should go for it.”

    The award, established by the United States Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater, helps ensuring that the country produces enough highly qualified workers in important STEM subjects.

    Armijo is now pursuing undergraduate research with Dr. Maha Zewail-Foote at Southwestern and Dr. Devleena Samanta at the University of Texas, whom he met through a National Science Foundation-funded internship in 2022. Last summer, he also collaborated with Dr. Julian West of Rice University in Houston.

    “The scholarship is really the signifier that Brian has great potential for a future career in research, which is fantastic.” – Alexandra Anderson, Senior Associate Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development

    “The Goldwater Scholarship committee expects the winners to have one or more published experiences,” Senior Associate Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) Alexandra Anderson stated. “That is the true winner here. Yes, there is money involved, but the scholarship truly demonstrates Brian’s potential for a future career in research, which is amazing.”

    Armijo, the first Southwestern student to receive a Goldwater Scholarship, knows the significance of this honor for the university’s future.

    “It makes me very excited for new researchers that are coming up through Southwestern because I can act as a source of advice and guidance for them,” he went on to say. “It’s really exciting to have a framework set up for not just our chemistry program, but all of our different STEM departments, because the application process can be overwhelming at first glance.”

    Armijo spent several months working with Anderson and the CCPD to write and build his application, beginning with the first step of selecting overarching themes and ending with the final changes.

    “[The CCPD] was really influential in getting my application tied together in as nice of a way as it was,” Armijo said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without corresponding with Alexandra.”

    “Southwestern has allowed me to get to a point where I’m confident in what I am going to do moving forward post undergraduate.” – Brian Armijo ’25

  • San Antonio Students Win $40K Scholarship, Paid Amazon Internship

    San Antonio Students Win $40K Scholarship, Paid Amazon Internship

    Amazon announced Tuesday that two STEM Early College High School students from Harlandale ISD had been given a scholarship and a paid internship with the corporation.

    Andres Caracheo and Nicholas Farnsworth each won a $40,000 scholarship to study computer science, engineering, or a related profession at their preferred college or institution, as well as a paid internship following their freshman year, Amazon announced.

    “I didn’t know I was going to get it, but it’s one of the scholarships I really wanted,” Caracheo, a senior said. “Thank you to the whole team, my parents, the whole staff. Y’all are really a big part of this.”

    Amazon stated that the duo were chosen based on a number of factors, including academic achievement, shown leadership, participation in school and community organizations, work experience, future objectives, and financial need. They are among 43 high school students in Texas and 400 overall from underserved communities around the country to receive the scholarships.

    “I want to thank everyone who’s been here. Most of the people who have been a humungous impact on my life are standing in this room right now, specifically my mom and my dad, y’all have been a tremendous part of my life. This was the scholarship I was hoping to get. I put a lot of work into it, and every step I’ve taken has been along with friends and people who believed in me,” Farnsworth said.

    According to the company, the scholarship allows students to gain hands-on, practical work experience while being mentored by Amazon leaders, as well as access to skills development and mental health resources, an emergency grant fund for unexpected financial obligations that may prevent them from attending school, and networking opportunities with their peers and Amazon employees.

    “Our scholarship recipients’ unwavering dedication to academic excellence and their passion for leveraging technology to uplift communities is truly inspiring,” Victor Reinoso, global director of education philanthropy at Amazon said. “By investing in computer science education for students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities, we’re not only empowering them to pursue rewarding careers but also equipping them with skills to drive innovation that will shape a more equitable and sustainable future for generations to come.”

  • Three Valleys Community Foundation accepting applications for $10,000 scholarship

    Three Valleys Community Foundation accepting applications for $10,000 scholarship

    The Three Valleys Community Foundation (3VCF) is now taking applications for the David Yandell Award Service Scholarship, which will provide $10,000 to an Amador Valley High School student who displays exceptional service and leadership in the school community.

    According to a foundation press statement, the nonprofit collaborated with Amador to design the new scholarship, which will be presented to a student for the first time this year, beginning with the 2024 graduating class.

    “It is exciting to work directly with community members to help them realize their philanthropic goals and channel funds toward worthy causes,” Three Valleys CEO Kelly Bowers said in October, when the creation of the scholarship was first announced. “As a former Superintendent of Schools, I can’t think of a better investment than furthering the education of our next generation.”

    The scholarship will be applied immediately to the students’ higher education expenses, such as tuition and other fees.

    According to Bowers, the scholarship is offered to all graduating Amador seniors, with preference given to those who can demonstrate financial need and those whose parents or guardians have worked in education.

    The application window will close at 5 p.m. on May 10.

    The scholarship and award are named after David Yandell, a retired but highly respected counselor and teacher at Amador who worked at the school for many years until retiring in 1997.

    “While at Amador … I valued the opportunity to work with students to open the doors to their future,” Yandell said in the press release. “The most important skill for them to learn was how to deal with a changing world. And now, having been retired for over 20 years, I am honored and touched to have this award and scholarship for students who have shown outstanding service to their school and community.”

    According to the foundation, a senior service award was established several years ago in Yandell’s honor but now thanks to his youngest son, Keith, the award will now include that $10,000 scholarship.

    “As the son of an educator, I value and appreciate the sacrifice and contribution of public educators and the importance of educational opportunity beyond high school,” Keith — who is also an Amador alum — said in the press release. “This is my way of honoring my father and his legacy as well as giving back to Amador, which has given my family so much.”

    Amador Principal Jonathan Fey also expressed his enthusiasm for the new scholarship in the press release and said the school was pleased to partner with Three Valleys to provide this opportunity for students.

    “I am inspired by David’s legacy and Keith’s benevolence and I am confident others will be too,” Bowers said. “Looking ahead, it is my sincere hope this is the first of many legacy scholarships that 3VCF will host and support.”

  • Vanderbilt University Student Rincon Jagarlamudi Named a 2024 Truman Scholar

    Vanderbilt University Student Rincon Jagarlamudi Named a 2024 Truman Scholar

    Rincon Jagarlamudi, a junior at Vanderbilt University, has been named as a 2024 Truman Scholar, receiving a $30,000 grant for graduate school.

    Jagarlamudi is also entitled to engage in professional development programs designed to prepare him for a career in public service leadership. He will collect his accolades at a ceremony held at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri.

    Jagarlamudi, a Missouri biochemistry student and the son of two immigrant parents, plans to pursue a medical career. During his time at Vanderbilt, he served as co-president of Next Steps Ambassadores, the support group for Vanderbilt’s inclusive higher education program for neurodiverse students, and as campus policy chair for Active Minds, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and supporting mental health on college campuses.

    Jagarlamudi developed the NGO Hip Hop Public Health’s flagship ambassador site in Nashville, where hip-hop music and culture are used to break down cultural barriers to health awareness and equity. He hopes to combine his work as a disability rights advocate with his ambition to become a physician who focuses on people with neurodevelopmental problems. Outside of activism and service, Jagarlamudi enjoys watching Formula One races, singing karaoke, and playing pickup basketball with his buddies.

    He is Vanderbilt’s first Truman Scholar since 2015. Charu Balamurugan, a Vanderbilt student, was one of this year’s Truman Scholar finalists.

    Charu Balamurugan

    Alissa Hare, who is co-director of the Biochemistry and Chemical Biology program, said Jagarlamudi has been a standout student.

    “We are thrilled to hear that Rincon has been awarded the Truman Scholarship to join the 2024 cohort of scholars. As a biochemistry and chemical biology major, Rincon has demonstrated excellence in his coursework and a commitment to conducting research at the highest level,” said Hare, who is Jagarlamudi’s academic adviser. “Rincon is motivated by his desire to work at the interface of translational research and public health. We are glad to have Rincon represent Vanderbilt and the BCB program to the world. He sets a wonderful example of what our students can achieve in scholarship, research and service.”

    The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the nation’s living tribute to President Harry S. Truman. The foundation’s aim is to identify and support the next generation of public service leaders, and the Truman Award has become one of the most prominent national scholarships in the United States.

    Each year, candidates for the Truman Scholarship go through a demanding, multi-stage selection process. In 2024, 709 contenders for the award were nominated by 285 colleges and universities. The 193 contenders were interviewed in March and early April by one of 16 regional selection panels.

    Those interested in the Truman Scholarship or other competitive fellowships should contact Elizabeth Harrington Lambert, associate director of fellowships and scholarships at Vanderbilt at fellowships@vanderbilt.edu.

  • Manhattan High School Senior Cole Parsons Wins National Merit Ascension Scholarship

    Manhattan High School Senior Cole Parsons Wins National Merit Ascension Scholarship

    Cole Parsons from Manhattan has been designated a National Merit Scholar.

    The National Merit Scholar Corporation announced on Tuesday that Parsons, a senior at Manhattan High, has won the National Merit Ascension Scholarship, which is funded by Ascension and is open to the children of the health system’s partners.

    Mechanical engineering is Parsons’ most likely field of study. He was among three MHS students chosen semifinalists in September.

    To become a Merit Scholar, students must first achieve a high score on the PSAT. They also submit “detailed” scholarship applications, which contain an academic record, involvement in school and community activities, employment, and any accolades or awards won.

    School administrators support and suggest the applicants, and students compose an essay. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, more than 15,000 applications are expected to advance to the finalist round. Only half of them get a scholarship.

    160 organizations have offered around 840 corporate-sponsored rewards to candidates who match the criteria. The winners will be announced from April to July.

  • Choosing Between MBA, MSc, and MiM: Deciding on Your Ideal Program

    Choosing Between MBA, MSc, and MiM: Deciding on Your Ideal Program

    MBA programs remain the most popular among business school candidates, but specialty business master’s degrees, such as the Master of Finance, are on the increase in Europe, according to a Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) poll.

    Bocconi University, located in Milan’s commercial district, offers the world’s third best MBA program as well as a variety of Master of Science (MSc) degrees, including the MSc in International Management and the MSc in Finance.

    Carlo Salvato, dean of the Bocconi Graduate School, administers the 13 MSc programs, while Stefano Caselli, head of the SDA Bocconi School of Management, directs the one-year full-time MBA program.

    BusinessBecause interviewed Carlo and Stefano to learn more about the distinctions between an MSc, MiM, and MBA, as well as where these degrees can lead business graduates.

    Which program should I choose: MiM, MBA, or MSc?

    Knowing whether to pursue an MBA or an MSc degree is mostly determined by your applicant background and business school goals.

    The Bocconi MBA and MSc programs both cover the principles of business and offer chances for professional development, but there are significant variations between them.

    The MBA is intended for experienced professionals with an average age of 28 to 30 years. The program serves as a career accelerator, building on past experience and providing students with the information and abilities needed to enter mid- or senior-level positions.

    “The MBA class is a small group of high-quality participants to ensure a very high-level network,” Stefano said.

    The MBA class at SDA Bocconi has an average of little more than five years of professional experience, however the minimum qualification for applicants is three years.

    This differs from the Bocconi Master of Science (MSc) program, which does not require applicants to have professional experience beyond internship level.

    “It would be a mistake for a student with no professional experience to pursue an MBA. Similarly, someone with five years of experience would not be appropriate for an MSc course,” explains Carlo.

    The Master of Science program is designed for those in earlier stages of their careers, with graduates average 24 years of age. Candidates often start the program with little or no professional experience, and the curriculum prepares them for entry-level roles upon graduation.

    With the MSc’s specialized knowledge and skill set, graduates can expect to progress their careers quickly.

    Master of Management programs are commonly referred to as MiM degrees. Business schools may classify the program as a MiM, or as Bocconi University does, the management degree will fall under the Master of Science (MSc) category.

    This is because the Bocconi MSc in International Management focuses on data and multidisciplinary analysis.

    Because of the differences in approaches to MBA and master’s degrees, the MBA can be finished in as little as 12 to 15 months, whereas the MSc programs at Bocconi last two years.

    At Bocconi, the MSc degree costs approximately €18,000 per year, whereas the MBA costs €75,000.

    MBA versus MSc: Similarities and Differences

    The MBA and MSc programs at Bocconi University offer a diverse and international student body, with applicants coming from a variety of academic and industry backgrounds.

    “People who become leaders are capable of managing a diversified environment and diverse points of view,” Stefano said.

    The MBA program is larger in scope than the more technically oriented MSc programs, with the goal of developing business leaders and managers with diverse abilities and insights into managerial difficulties. The MBA curriculum is unique in that it incorporates key themes such as sustainability, artificial intelligence, and geopolitics.

    “The mission of the Bocconi MBA is to educate the leaders of tomorrow,” Stefano said.

    MSc program applicants must have a strong academic basis and a willingness to study. This is especially significant for new master’s degrees like the MSc in Artificial Intelligence, which require candidates to have an undergraduate background in relevant subjects like biotechnology or directly in AI.

    This is due to the technical nature of Bocconi’s MSc programs. Different programs provide unique concentrations, allowing students to adapt their education to their future job goals.

    Corporate finance is one of the concentrations available in the Master of International Management program. This is suitable for students looking for a financial background with less quantitative instruction than a Master of Finance, which is better suited to those looking for a specialized financial skill set.

    “We provide our students with a rigorous educational background, preparing them to face any major changes in their future profession,” Carlo said.

    MBA vs MSc Careers

    Following the Bocconi motto of “Knowledge that Matters,” the MBA and MSc programs emphasize implementing skills through practical experience so that graduates may hit the ground running in their jobs.

    Regardless of whether students pursue an MBA or an MSc degree, the programs provide a variety of options, including as internships, foreign exchanges, consultant work, and field projects, in which student teams confront real-world business difficulties for companies.

    Within the classroom, students get additional opportunity to engage with industry executives from multinational corporations who offer seminars and network with them.

    “The Master of Science is a bridge between university and the job market,” Carlo said.

    Bocconi MBA graduates frequently get jobs in leading consulting companies and international corporations. MBA graduates are increasingly attracted to new kinds of business partnership, such as pharmaceutical corporations’ private investment in digital technology.

    “This is the beauty of the MBA, we have to be ready to place the best candidate possible in the next sector, which is impossible to predict today,” Stefano said.

    Bocconi students with entrepreneurial ambitions will benefit from the B4i (Bocconi for Innovation) startup accelerator. Students from all programs are asked to present their startup idea for a chance to receive financing, mentoring, and training to help them establish their business.

    Whether you pick an MBA or an MSc, you will have plenty of opportunities to develop your business skills and network. If you’ve already worked in the business world for a few years, you might want to pursue an MBA, however if you’re just finishing up your undergraduate degree or have no job experience, an MSc might be the ideal option.

  • Is Pursuing a Career in Accounting a Wise Choice?

    Is Pursuing a Career in Accounting a Wise Choice?

    One of the benefits of working in accounting is that your talents are likely to be in constant demand. This is because businesses are expected to meet reporting obligations, and accountants play an important role in preserving these standards.

    Accounting careers are popular among business school graduates due to the high salary, professional advancement, and breadth of opportunities available in the accounting sector and beyond—whether you want to work for one of the Big Four or at a boutique firm as a specialist.

    According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Prospective Students Survey 2023, there is a growing interest among Generation Z in accounting employment.

    We asked two Master of Accounting graduates working in different roles: Is accounting a suitable career path?

    Benefits and challenges of accounting careers in auditing

    Historically, many accountants began their careers in professional services firms. This is because organizations like KPMG, PwC, EY, and Deloitte offer excellent training and professional development opportunities that would be difficult to get in a smaller company.

    Margaret Mary Rilling graduated from Villanova School of Business’s Master of Accounting with Data Analytics (MAC) program.

    She is a senior audit associate at KPMG’s Center for Audit Solutions as part of a rotational program. She focuses on strategy and design for the future of accounting, identifying ways to centralize, standardize, and automate procedures.

    “Having a data analysis background has been really helpful in using the tools that already exist and then also assessing potential future state tools,” she adds, noting that the MAC program’s emphasis on data analysis was one of the major reasons she was drawn to it.

    In terms of the rewards of her accounting employment, Margaret Mary enjoys the challenge of working with a diverse range of clients, from huge corporations to tiny private firms.

    “Every day is different,” she says, “but “auditing is a terrific field if you conceive of the first few years of your career as an ongoing education.”

    However, Margaret Mary emphasizes the importance of staying current with data analysis because dealing with complicated data sets is an essential aspect of a career in accounting, which is where her MAC degree has been most beneficial.

    How to establish a promising accounting job in audit

    Margaret Mary, an entry-level audit professional, states that the MAC program has provided her with several major benefits, including an enhanced ability to handle technical talks with clients and a greater understanding of the accounting sector.

    “The MAC program is primarily project-based, reflecting the challenges of accounting. “Every class has large group projects,” she explains.

    Noting some of her favorite courses, she discovered that data analysis courses such as Data Models, Analysis, and Visualization were the most beneficial to her job.

    “The combination of an accounting and auditing background and an understanding of new technology is key,” she said.

    Another way the MAC program has aided her advancement in her career is the ability to utilize the same logic from her accounting studies while interacting with clients.

    “I feel more prepared to answer tough questions as the master’s helped provide a framework to analyze complex data-based problems,” she said.

    She gives some sensible words of advise to individuals considering their next professional move.

    “Don’t discount accounting if you’re not familiar with it, you might really like it—it’s challenging and exciting, just be ready to learn and pay attention in your core [accounting master’s] courses so you have a solid framework to lean back on.”

    Advantages and disadvantages of accounting management

    Accounting careers vary as much as the profession itself. Kate Reasons, a Villanova MAC program graduate, attests to this.

    Kate originally learned about the master’s degree in accounting while doing a summer internship with KPMG. At the time, the company was working with VSB on a customized MAC program.

    “When I saw the real-world applications of the program, such as business analytics, SQL, Alteryx, Power Bi, I knew it was different from traditional accounting master’s programs,” she said.

    If you want to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Master of Accounting degree can help you get the necessary credits.

    This was also one of the reasons Kate, who is now a certified public accountant, joined the MAC program.

    After working full-time for KMPG, Kate moved on to a career in industry as an accounting manager at Ampla, a financial services organization.

    “This is always a route I recommend people to take—the experience you get in a Big Four accounting firm is something you can’t replace.”

    Despite her success at KPMG, Kate sought a new challenge.

    “After spending my career reviewing others’ work, I decided to look at other markets.”

    She was lured to New York’s dynamic finance business, which matched her creative attitude and drive for unusual ideas.

    “I have a lot of room for growth and autonomy—I’m trusted to get the work done,” she said.

    Kate oversaw Ampla’s first year of auditing, which included reviewing financial accounts, changing corporate processes, and increasing efficiency.

    “If you solidify your position to an organization where they rely on you, your role becomes so necessary to the organization,” she said.

    Despite its attractiveness, the role can be challenging. Working at a startup needs you to be agile and imaginative, ready to address challenges on short notice with a smaller staff to fall back on.

    “The challenges are exactly what I like about the role: You have to be creative and analyze your resources—you need to give so much more than a straight answer.”

    How to Develop a Successful Career as an Accounting Manager

    Kate’s accounting skills earned in the Villanova MAC program has played a critical role in her rapid transition from public accounting to accounting management at a startup.

    Because the program emphasizes data skills, with topics such as the Digital Accounting Experience, she has been able to engage with data engineers more effectively.

    “Being able to speak both the engineering and accounting language is critical,” she said.

    She says that her lessons in Financial Accounting, Taxation, and Business Strategy have helped her grasp how to make sound financial decisions.

    “The MAC program helped me to have this cross-functional stream of learning both the data and financial side of accounting, which has been important to growing my career in the field,” she said.

  • Ball State University Student Awarded Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

    Ball State University Student Awarded Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

    Taylor Bias, a junior at Ball State University, has been awarded a Barry Goldwater incentive, a prominent incentive for undergraduates interested in STEM research.

    Ms. Bias, an Honors College student from Elkhart, Ind., majors in biochemistry with minors in biology and studio art. After earning her doctorate in biochemistry, she hopes to pursue a career in protein-ligand interacting molecular chemistry research and university teaching.

    Ms. Bias is the 15th Ball State student to receive the Goldwater Scholarship, joining nine others who received honorable mention. She was one of 438 sophomores and juniors chosen this year from a pool of 1,353 individuals nominated by colleges and universities around the country.

    “I want to advance knowledge of protein-ligand interactions to help address health concerns, such as immune responses to infection and disease—and I want to do so as a faculty member engaged in both teaching and research,” Bias said in a statement. “My ambition is to work as part of a student-scientist team to further scientific knowledge. In doing so, I hope to guide students in selecting what they want from their own research adventures, and to provide them with the same support that I am now receiving.”

    Ms. Bias joined Dr. Mary Konkle’s lab as a research assistant in January 2022, initially through Ball State’s Teacher-Scholar Program. Konkle is an associate professor of chemistry. She also spent the summer doing research at Roche Diagnostics in Indianapolis. Her other interests include active participation in Indiana LSAMP (an NSF-funded program) and Ball State’s Student Affiliates of the American Chemistry Society. She is also a teaching assistant in organic chemistry.

    Ms. Bias has given multiple speeches regarding her research at the national, state, and college levels, and she was the fifth author of a 2022 article published in ACS Chemical Biology. That same year, she received a national ACS (American Chemical Society) Scholarship, and at the 2023 National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers conference, she earned first place for a poster presentation.

    Congress established the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation in 1986 as a living legacy to Sen. Barry Goldwater’s lifelong achievements. The Goldwater Foundation helps ensuring that the United States produces the amount of highly trained professionals needed in these key sectors by awarding scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in STEM fields. For more information, visit goldwaterscholarship.gov.