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  • Vermont Teen Earns Full-Tuition UVM Scholarship at First VT Pitch Challenge

    Vermont Teen Earns Full-Tuition UVM Scholarship at First VT Pitch Challenge

    Pippa Scott, a high school junior from Killington, Vermont (above), has won the grand prize at the University of Vermont’s (UVM) inaugural Vermont Pitch Challenge. This competition offers outstanding high school entrepreneurs worldwide the opportunity to secure a full-tuition scholarship for their innovative ventures.

    Scott’s inspirational business proposal for her established organization, Ride for Mental Health, piqued the interest of UVM judges. This revolutionary initiative uses action sports to promote awareness and provide help to children and teenagers suffering from mental health issues.

    “Pippa Scott’s outstanding presentation on a critical societal issue deserves not only our appreciation, but also our tangible support,” stated UVM President Suresh Garimella. “All of the Vermont Pitch Challenge finalists exemplify the key characteristics of success in today’s world: an entrepreneurial spirit, inventiveness, a global perspective, and a dedication to developing meaningful solutions for people and the environment. This competition acts as a springboard for the future generation of innovators, providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into reality.”

    The Vermont Pitch Challenge, announced in September, brought together over 150 teams from seven countries and 27 states. Over 220 ambitious students participated, each eager to make a good difference and address urgent issues in their individual areas. Throughout the competition, UVM provided opportunities for students to learn from experts about business plan drafting and pitch structure.

    Following a rigorous review, five finalist teams were chosen to present their business concepts in person to a panel of eminent judges at UVM on April 4, with the final rankings announced on Thursday.

    “As UVM increasingly attracts academically gifted and diverse students from Vermont, the U.S., and beyond, the Vermont Pitch Challenge is designed to captivate young entrepreneurs who are passionate about driving positive social change, engage more deeply with outstanding prospective students, and highlight UVM’s impressive culture of engaging students in entrepreneurship across academics, research, and student programs,” said Jay Jacobs, vice provost for enrollment at UVM.

    Scott thanked the Vermont Pitch Challenge for the chance and pledged to support others facing mental health challenges. “I’m so glad I won, but the fact that people are going to learn more about the importance of mental health support and knowing that kids are going to have more help because of this accomplishment is really what means everything to me.”

    In addition to Scott’s victory, numerous other notable contestants were acknowledged for their unique efforts:

    • Danny Philip of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, earned a $5,000 cash prize for Agri-Equip Incorporation, which seeks to catalyze agricultural development in the vibrant landscapes of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    • Pierson and Parker Jones, twin brothers from Lutz, Florida, were awarded $5,000 for DiscGuard, a pioneering initiative focused on enhancing patient outcomes by preventing re-injury after spinal surgery.
    • Sebastian Tan of Sewickly, Pennsylvania, received a $1,000 cash prize for OutsideConnection, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals find employment opportunities.
    • Eliza Strum of Ticonderoga, New York, secured a $1,000 cash prize for EcoCharge, a venture aimed at reducing electric and plastic waste through eco-friendly charging solutions.
    Eliza Strum of Ticonderoga, New York

     

    UVM offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurial students, including the Grossman School of Business and the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, the Sustainable Innovation MBA, the Academic Research Commercialization program, the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup, paid internships at leading companies, global study abroad opportunities, the UVM Entrepreneurship Club, and the thriving technology sector.

    Looking ahead, the Vermont Pitch Challenge is set to commence its second year with submissions opening in January 2025, followed by the finalists’ in-person pitch event and awards ceremony slated for April 10, 2025. For information and updates about the Vermont Pitch Challenge, please visit go.uvm.edu/vtpitchchallenge

  • Bethlehem Teens Earn Full Scholarships to Moravian University

    Bethlehem Teens Earn Full Scholarships to Moravian University

    This year’s recipients of the Bethlehem Area Superintendent’s Scholarship at Moravian University are two diligent teenagers who wish to help others via social work and nursing.

    Natalie Cain, a Freedom High School student, and Milena Garay, a Liberty High School student, were awarded full-tuition, four-year scholarships to attend the private university, founded in 1742 and with roots in the Moravian Church.

    The Superintendent’s Scholarship is in its ninth year. Each spring, a graduating senior from each of Bethlehem Area’s two high schools is chosen after submitting an essay and being interviewed by the superintendent. Admission to Moravian is required for the 2024-25 school year, with an annual tuition of $51,569.

    “As much as it’s a celebration of the accomplishments and futures of two students, I like to think of it as a celebration of two good, neighborly friends,” Superintendent Jack Silva said, noting that BASD and Moravian University are part of the same community and increasingly educate the same students.

    Silva stated that this year’s awardees were picked based on their good academic achievements, commitment to public service, and persistence in the face of adversity.

    Natalie Cain, Freedom High School

    Bryon Grigsby, president of Moravian University, presents Freedom High School Senior Natalie Cain a sweatshirt to celebrate her scholarship to the university Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the high school in Bethlehem. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

    Cain, 17, was raised in West Bethlehem and is looking forward to exploring the city’s downtown as a college student at Moravian next year.

    “I know where things are, so being able to experience them [being] older is just a whole different side, so I’m really excited,” she said following Thursday’s scholarship ceremony.

    Cain, a senior at Freedom, went to Calypso Elementary, Nitschmann Middle School, and Liberty before transferring to her future alma mater when her family relocated in recent years.

    She participated in chorus and theater at Freedom and stated that her greatest BASD experiences revolve around meeting friends.

    Outside of school, Cain works part-time and competes in modern contemporary dance at Bethlehem’s B.U Studios. She also volunteers at the studio, teaching dancing basics to children aged three to five.

    “They’re so sweet,” Cain commented. “I love all of them, and they’re my best friends.”

    Cain’s mother, Carley Ufer, stated that her daughter has always been nice with smaller children, including her siblings.

    “She’s very calm, patient with them, and understanding,” she explained, adding that Cain enjoys watching the young dancers she instructs progress.

    Cain stated that she wants to pursue social work in part because she has close friends who have had experiences with the foster system, which she hopes to focus on as a social worker.

    Cain stated that she wants to be the “go-to person for younger kids.”

    Cain’s father, Robert, stated that his daughter is aware of the often harsh reality of a career in social work based on his own public service experiences.

    “We see the rough side of humanity sometimes,” Robert Cain said about his 20-year tenure as a Bethlehem firefighter. “She knows you can’t always help everybody, and there’s government red tape you have to go through and things of that nature, and she still wants to help kids.”

    Robert Cain praised his daughter Natalie as a “old soul” and a “good person at heart” who will excel as a social worker due to her disposition and work ethic.

    “She’s always been a tough cookie,” he said. “She works hard for things she wants.”

    Milena Garay, Liberty High School

    Liberty High School senior Milena Garay is congratulated by Bethlehem Area School District Assistant Superintendent Maureen Leeson after being awarded a scholarship to Moravian University Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the high school in Bethlehem.(Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

    Garay, 17, is also looking forward to starting nursing school at Moravian next year, a career she picked because she enjoys helping others.

    “I’m really fascinated with body systems and medications, but most importantly, it’s about helping people and communicating with them,” the Liberty senior said following the scholarship ceremony on Thursday.

    Garay also works part-time and has volunteered at Fountain Hill Elementary and Broughal Middle Schools during her high school tenure. She attended both BASD schools and returned to assist with yearbook production and a reading program.

    Garay has also participated in Liberty’s Angel 34 club, which raises funds for pediatric cancer patients, and St. Luke’s University Health Network’s Health Career Exploration Program.

    Garay shadowed nurses for the St. Luke’s program last school year, working on the hospital’s Fountain Hill site.

    “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever been through because I learned so much,” she told me.

    “That’s where I gained my interest in nursing, as well,” she said. “It was really incredible to be able to talk to nurses, [patient care assistants], the unit clerks and to all these health care professionals and to be able to be by their side and work together with them.”

    Garay was impressed with the nurses’ expertise of their patients and numerous drugs.

    She is also passionate about leveraging her Spanish skills to better interact with patients. Garay goes to doctor visits with her father, who came to the United States from El Salvador, and translates for him.

    Vilma, Garay’s mother, also moved to the United States from El Salvador. She expressed her happiness that her daughter has chosen to pursue nursing and her excitement about the scholarship.

    “I cried, I can’t believe it,” she stated upon discovering Garay had received the award.

    Daiyana Rodriguez, a Spanish teacher at Liberty, said she wasn’t shocked Garay earned the scholarship after teaching her for four years.

    “She’s a very quiet student, but very insightful,” Rodriguez explained. “You can tell she’s always thinking about things, and through the years that she’s been here, she’s coming out of her shell a lot because she’s naturally very shy, but she’s always pushing herself.”

    Rodriguez further stated that Garay is proud of her Hispanic ethnicity and is passionate about giving back to Hispanic patients, particularly during difficult times.

    “Nobody goes to the hospital to have fun, and you do want to find the person who speaks your language,” Rodriguez went on to say.

    Rodriguez stated that she had personally benefited greatly from Garay’s empathy.

    “It’s kind of nice to be exposed to that characteristic in people because that’s not an everyday thing anymore,” she said. “I feel like empathy is getting lost, and that’s her whole dream, to help people, and that’s beautiful.”

  • 2 Oklahoma State University Students Awarded Goldwater Scholarships

    2 Oklahoma State University Students Awarded Goldwater Scholarships

    Two Oklahoma State University College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology students have been awarded Barry M. Goldwater scholarships.

    Trey Dorrell and Sam Glenn were chosen from a competitive pool of 1,353 applications from 446 colleges nationally. The prestigious Goldwater Scholarships, which last one or two years, provide up to $7,500 in financial aid each year.

    For almost 30 years, the Goldwater Foundation has supported the development of future leaders in subjects such as natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The foundation supports research careers by offering scholarships to college sophomores and juniors. This helps to increase the number of highly qualified individuals who can defend the nation, find cures for diseases, and lead future generations of scientists.

    Dorrell and Glenn are the OSU’s 33rd and 34th Goldwater Scholars. Over the last six years alone, OSU has produced 13 Goldwater Scholars.

    Dorrell, a junior studying in mechanical and aerospace engineering with a minor in Spanish, enrolled at OSU as a Freshman Research Scholar. He stated that his Spanish minor was important to his Goldwater application since it expanded his communication abilities and cultural awareness.

    Dorrell received a Wentz Research Scholarship for his work refining 3D-printed hybrid rocket engines. He previously worked as an engineering technician at the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education and is currently the Vice President of the OSU Space Cowboys.

    In addition, Dorrell is close to finishing his Honors College Degree.To achieve this distinction, students must complete honors courses in a variety of academic areas, as well as a concentration of study in their major.

    “The Honors Degree is another indication of Trey’s impressive academic commitment and aptitude; well done, Trey,” stated Dr. Richard Frohock, interim dean of the Honors College.

    Dorrell described obtaining the Goldwater Scholarship as an important milestone in his academic career.

    “It’s a validation of my commitment to research and an incredible boost to pursue my aspirations in aerospace engineering with even greater enthusiasm,” he told the audience.

    Dorrell plans to use his OSU degree to contribute to ground-breaking innovations in aerospace technology, with a focus on propulsion systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.

    “I hope to play a pivotal role in the future of space exploration, pushing the boundaries of human ingenuity,” Dorrell said in a statement.

    Glenn, a junior studying in both mechanical engineering and mathematics, has been conducting research in the Applied Fluid Mechanics Lab since his freshman year. He was chosen as a Niblack Research Scholar his sophomore year and a Wentz Research Scholar his junior year, and he is currently researching the effect of wing structure on the aerodynamic performance of microscopic insects. Glenn has presented his findings at regional and national conferences.

    Glenn said his family had a significant influence on his decision to pursue research. His parents met while attending graduate school, and his grandfather earned a degree in chemical engineering at OSU.

    Glenn intends to pursue a doctorate in mechanical engineering and do research on hypersonic flows through computational fluid dynamics.

    “Winning the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is an incredible honor,” Mr. Glenn stated. “It shows me that all the hours I’ve spent in the lab and classroom are paying off.”

    Glenn spent his time at OSU working in Dr. Arvind Santhanakrishnan’s laboratory and has just begun working with Dr. Chitrarth Prasad as well.

    “Dr. Santhanakrishnan continually pushed me to be a better researcher, and Dr. Prasad helped me discover my passion for computational fluid dynamics,” Glenn went on to say.

    Both students believe that the guidance they got at CEAT has been beneficial to their academic aspirations.

    “Dr. [Kurt] Rouser, my research mentor, and Dr. [Jamey] Jacob and Professor [Carisa] Ramming, my other recommenders, have profoundly shaped my scholarly path,” Dorrell said in a statement. “Their advice and assistance have been helpful. OSU’s dedicated faculty and instructors constantly help students like myself reach our greatest potential.”

    Many recipients have gone on to win further honors, including the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship, the Rhodes Scholarship, the Churchill Scholarship, and the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship. Such recognition exemplifies the level of Goldwater scholars.

    The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established to honor Sen.  Goldwater and his commitment to fostering excellence in the STEM fields. Since its inception, the foundation has provided scholarships to thousands of undergraduate students, empowering them to pursue careers in science, mathematics and engineering. For more information, visit the Goldwater Foundation. 

  • Goldwater Scholar Recipients: Two Students from Johns Hopkins University

    Goldwater Scholar Recipients: Two Students from Johns Hopkins University

    Johns Hopkins juniors Kyra Bowden and Grace Luettgen were recently granted the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship.

    The program, named after the late Senator and Major General Barry Goldwater, helps college sophomores and juniors pursue research careers in engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences. Bowden and Luettgen are acknowledged for their contributions to biomedical engineering and biophysics, respectively.

    This year, the Goldwater Scholarship Foundation will assist 438 new scholars chosen from an applicant pool of over 5,000. Each scholar will get up to $7,500 per school year until two years have elapsed or the student has graduated. Schools can suggest up to four applicants per year.

    Kyra Bowden

    Biomedical Engineering

    Bowden hopes to employ machine learning and image analysis to investigate disease and injuries and improve results for orthopedic patients. Since spring 2022, Bowden has collaborated with Seth Blackshaw and Jonathan Ling to analyze differential exon inclusion in proteins using ASCOT, a database of alternative splicing events drawn from hundreds of thousands of mouse and human RNA sequencing datasets. He also developed Python scripts to use the AlphaFold v2.0 AI platform to model how ASCOT-identified splicing events impact protein structure and function. Bowden’s work has been published in prestigious journals such as Nature Communications and Nature Medicine, and he is the first author of a poster at the Society for Neuroscience. She also got a grant from the Leong Summer Research Fund and will spend the summer in Switzerland as part of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne Excellence Research Internship Programme. Outside of the lab, Bowden has been a resident adviser since her sophomore year and is an official in the Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering Society and SHARE (Supporting Hospitals Abroad with Resources and Equipment). She helps with Thread, the JHU Tutorial Project, and a local health care clinic.

    Grace Luettgen

    Physics, Biophysics

    Luettgen’s goal is to create signaling proteins that regulate interactions between the immune system and sick cells. Luettgen has been working in Brian Camley’s lab since the spring of her freshman year. Her initial project focused on constructing a computer model to understand probable mechanisms of cell cluster migration, which is critical for tissue growth, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. She is presently focusing on chronic lymphocytic leukemia, utilizing computational modeling to better understand how malignant lymphocytes enter lymph nodes by detecting changes in chemical cues. She was the first author of a recent presentation on this leukemia research at the American Physical Society, and she received an ASPIRE grant to support it. Luettgen has also worked with Aleksandrina Goeva and Miri Adler at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard on gene control of cerebellar neurons and communication between molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) and Purkinje layer interneurons (PLIs). Outside of the lab and academic work for her two majors, Luettgen is an organizer for the JHU Tutorial Project and a volunteer with SHARE and Baltimore First, where she helps older Baltimore residents with technology.

     

     

  • 5 Essential Skills for Business Students and Grads to Thrive in Their Careers

    5 Essential Skills for Business Students and Grads to Thrive in Their Careers

    A profession in business can be fascinating, regardless of specialization (marketing, sales, strategy, or finance). However, it is also an ever-changing field: today’s corporate world is considerably different from 20 years ago, and the distance grows larger with each passing year. In order to compete in this complex world, business students must possess a few essential skills.

    To help you thrive in your future job, we have identified six critical qualities that business students and graduates must possess. Soft skills can help you advance in your career, whether you’re pursuing a business degree or seeking your first job.

    Surprisingly, this list does not include any essential business abilities such as economics or pitching. With the corporate world constantly changing, it’s all about soft skills—those basic competencies that can be applied to every company function. Practicing these five soft skills not only ensures future success but also helps to future-proof your job.

    1. Networking

    Working in business is a collaborative effort. In truth, businesses prosper solely through collaboration, whether among coworkers or across industries.

    That’s why, if you want to work in business, networking is an important ability to have. Networking is a broad term that encompasses the capacity to meet other business people, establish significant and important connections with the appropriate individuals, and seek guidance when necessary. As a result, networking requires communication, listening skills, and self-confidence.

    Networking skills are especially vital if you wish to work in entrepreneurship or startups. In this atmosphere, networking is essential for getting your business off the ground, and meeting other leaders will boost your confidence in the realm of entrepreneurship.

    2. Critical thinking

    Critical thinking is another broad skill that refers to the capacity to receive and properly assess a wide range of information. In any commercial function, you’ll likely be juggling a variety of duties, and learning how to appropriately respond to information and assess the benefits and drawbacks of actions is essential. Critical thinking is highly valued in the workplace.

    Strong critical thinking abilities will enable you to make business decisions, assess crisis responses, and remain adaptable and open to new ideas. To enhance critical thinking skills, practice recognizing the potential implications of decisions and embracing making mistakes as a learning opportunity.

    3. Problem Solving

    It may seem obvious, but as a businessperson, you will surely encounter a variety of challenging scenarios. In a managerial role, you may be required to solve problems for your department or organization, and learning how to do so successfully will only improve your job performance.

    However, creativity and problem-solving abilities are inextricably linked. Finding a solution does not always imply taking the simplest path; it may include navigating difficult barriers. To effectively solve problems, it’s important to have innovative problem-solving skills.

    There are several actions you can take to creatively address problems in any setting. First, establish the scope of your problem: without it, you won’t be able to determine what is doable. Next, learn how to brainstorm without boundaries—go as far as your brain will allow, within the scope of the problem. Finally, create a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each option to assist in determining which solution has the fewest defects.

    4. Emotional intelligence

    Emotional intelligence is divided into two categories: the ability to identify emotions in oneself and the ability to identify emotions in others. Both of these are equally vital in a company, especially if you hold a leadership role.

    Understanding and managing your emotions enhances teamwork and crisis management skills. Being able to see emotions in others allows you to help resolve team conflicts and mentor others. These skills are essential for everyone working in business, but improving your emotional intelligence can also help you communicate more effectively and stay calm under pressure.

    5. Time Management

    Working in business may be stressful, just like any other profession. Whether you’re in a junior or senior position, you’ll likely have a lot of obligations and tasks to complete. Each day may be different, therefore, you must learn to manage your own time.

    As a result, time management abilities are among the most crucial soft skills that business students require. You will learn some time management techniques at a university or business school. However, you may need to adapt these for future employment. Setting daily, weekly, or monthly goals and prioritizing work based on urgency are some approaches to practicing efficient time management.

  • Top 8 Countries Offering Great Job Opportunities Worldwide

    Top 8 Countries Offering Great Job Opportunities Worldwide

    Meeting new people, exploring a new region, and plunging headfirst into a subject you’re passionate about may all make for a fantastic university experience. However, many students will consider how their degree will affect their future employment. But where should you study if you want to get work when you finish your studies? These are the finest countries for work opportunities in the world.

    We analyzed data from EDUopinions student reviews to identify nations with the highest career opportunity scores. The data is based on verifiable student reviews for universities in each country, excluding information about online degrees.

    So, read on to find out where in the world you should study to improve your job prospects! For each country, we’ve given our research’ overall assessment for career prospects, as well as a student review for a university in that country, so you can hear from actual graduates about their job search experiences.

    1. Switzerland

    Switzerland is the world’s top country for career possibilities! In contrast to the US’s position and size, we’re visiting one of Europe’s little (but equally powerful) countries.

    Switzerland has long been known as a corporate powerhouse, offering a competitive market for graduates in healthcare (particularly pharmaceutical research), technology, and finance. Swiss firms include household brands like Nestlé, Novartis, and Zurich Insurance Group, all of which have headquarters in Switzerland, in locales as different as Zürich, Baar, and Basel – so you don’t have to travel to the Swiss capital to get fascinating career prospects.

    Switzerland’s most in-demand jobs are software development, logistics, project management, and sales.

    2. The United States

    We left Europe and flew across the Atlantic to the world’s second-best country for work prospects. It’s no surprise that the United States ranks high in this list; cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles are some of the world’s most prestigious business hubs, offering opportunities in fields ranging from technology and finance to the arts and healthcare.

    Given the size of the United States, it is difficult to summarise the wealth of prospects available to graduates, whether from a US or other university. The United States is well-known for its vast media business, notably in cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the East Coast’s strongest sectors include publishing, finance, and professional services. Given the enormous trade between the United States, Asia, and Europe, a job in the United States can serve as a springboard for a global function.

    3. Ireland

    Since the UK’s exit from the EU, Ireland has become a more appealing base for international enterprises looking to do business in the EU. Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, is home to numerous worldwide corporations, such as Google, Facebook, TikTok, PayPal, Accenture, and Medtronic.

    Furthermore, Ireland has an English-speaking populace, making it simple to apply and interview for jobs (but you may want to study some Gaelic to immerse yourself in Irish culture!) Outside of Dublin, Cork is emerging as a new destination for technology graduates, with 60 major IT businesses already establishing headquarters in this rapidly growing city.

    3. Denmark

    Denmark is joint-third in our list of the best countries for work prospects. Denmark is the only northern European country to make the top, and with good reason: it is a hub for energy and transportation firms, as well as a big services sector.

    Denmark ranks as the fourth-best country in Europe (and fifth in the world) for English competence outside of Anglophone countries, ensuring familiarity with the local language. Copenhagen is home to both Danish and foreign corporations, including Nestle, Sony, and Coca-Cola.

    5. Belgium

    It may be one of Europe’s smaller countries, but it is also home to many of Europe’s major firms and organizations, so there are several work chances to pursue. For example, Brussels serves as a hub for political and non-profit organizations such as the European Union, NATO, Eurodesk, and the World Federation of Advertisers.

    If you don’t want to work in the capital, there are lots of other appealing cities. Antwerp is one of Europe’s leading green energy and chemical hubs, while Bruges is renowned for its technological and logistical skills.

    6. Australia

    Have you ever considered heading Down Under for your degree? Australia nearly ranks in the top five greatest countries in the world for work prospects, so it may be time to pursue a career in Melbourne, Brisbane, or Sydney. The country has traditionally attracted students seeking internships and short-term employment, but there are several other job options available in finance, professional services, and consumer goods.

    Australia is an accessible job market for expats because the primary language is English, so there is no need to work around language requirements. Each of Australia’s largest cities has a varied job market, with fast-growing areas such as technology, finance, and life sciences.

    7. France

    Although France may not be the first place you think of when it comes to work prospects, particularly given the language barrier, several French towns are becoming hubs for worldwide corporations. Professionals are seeking opportunities in smaller cities such as Lille, Orléans, Dijon, and Rouen, beyond Paris.

    Although France is usually known for its success in industries such as energy, retail, luxury, and manufacturing, it also has a large number of worldwide enterprises headquartered there. These include hotel group Accor, telecoms company Orange, and game maker Ubisoft.

    8. The United Kingdom

    The United Kingdom has long been one of the world’s top destinations for international students, thanks to the prestige of its universities and career prospects in global cities such as London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. In terms of job prospects, it ranks eighth on the list, surpassing European competitor Germany.

    Graduates in London have a wide range of opportunities in huge businesses such as technology, professional services, and finance, but the UK is also noted for its competence in construction, life sciences, and energy. Unilever, BP, HSBC, and GSK are among the world’s largest firms, with their headquarters in the United Kingdom. Outside of London, Edinburgh has built a reputation as a financial, publishing, and energy hub, so there are numerous opportunities if you wish to start a career in the United Kingdom.

  • Apply for the OWSD Fellowships for Women Scientists from Science and Technology

    Apply for the OWSD Fellowships for Women Scientists from Science and Technology

    This fellowship program aims to empower female STEM leaders and encourage their active participation in community and national development efforts.

    This programme aims to achieve the following goals.

    • The programme aims to to offer young and talented women graduates an improved access to educational and training opportunities in science and technology.
    • It also aims to boost scientific productivity as well as creativity of women scientists.
    • The programme wishes to promote and empower a new generation of talented women who will have the ability and capacity to take on new leadership role in science and technology.
    • To encourage and offer skills to women scientists , vitals for sustainable development of their own countries

    There are two categories of fellowships offered under this programme

    This full-time fellowship program for women from Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs) lasts up to four years. Female fellows interested in conducting PhD research in Information Technology and Engineering in Global South countries are encouraged to apply. Selected candidates will be hosted by a university or institution in another Global South country.

    Applicants may choose for a sandwich fellowship. This grant is open to registered PhD students in their home countries.This fellowship allows students to complete part of their studies at another host university in a Global South country.

    Benefits

    Selected OWSD fellows will receive the following benefits

    • You will receive a monthly allowance to help you cover your daily living expenses including accommodation and meals, in your host country
    • Fellows will also receive a special allowance intended to facilitate their attendance at international conferences during the fellowship period
    • The programme will provide you with a return ticket for your travel from your home country, to your host country.
    • All costs related to Visas will be covered by the programme.
    • There is an annual contribution for medical insurance coverage.
    • All fees including tuition and registration fees charged by the host institution will also be covered by the programme.

    Eligibility

    Below are the requirements you must meet if you with to be considered for the programme

    • This programme is dedicated to women who from countries in the Global South who wish to undertake PhD research in fields of Engineering and Technology.
    • Applicants must have a minim of a Master’s degree qualification in one of the eligible fields, if they wish to apply.
    • Your preferred host Institution must be located in another country (other than your home country)in the Global South

    The list of eligible countries is as below

    Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (Kingdom of), Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

    Arab region: Djibouti, Palestine (West Bank and Gaza Strip), Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Yemen

    Asia & the Pacific: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kiribati, Lao People’s Dem Rep., Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

    Latin America & the Caribbean: Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay

    The list of eligible scientific fields is as below

    • Chemical Sciences
    • Computing and Information Technology
    • Medical and Health Sciences
    • Agricultural Sciences
    • Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences
    • Biological Systems and Organisms
    • Neurosciences
    • Physics
    • Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology
    • Engineering Sciences
    • Mathematical Sciences

    Application

    Applications for the fellowship programme must be submitted electronically through the given application portal. Candidates can select up to three preferred host universities (outside their home country) for the fellowship.The programme’s website includes a list of recommended host universities.

    To complete your application, you will need to submit a list of supporting papers in English. Documents that are not issued in English must include a translation. The following is a list of required documents.

    • A PhD research proposal outline summarizing your potential PhD research project proposal
    • Degree certificates and transcripts and grade scripts showing your academic history
    • Submit a recent Curriculum Vitae including your publications if any
    • Preliminary acceptance letter from a potential host institution. A sample is available on the programme website
    • Letter of commitment from a potential supervisor indicating the willingness and the availability of recourses by the host institution required to undertake the programme
    • Request 2 reference letters from supervisors or persons who can speak on your achievements and potential
    • Passport indicating your citizenship

    For applicants of the sandwich fellowship programme

    • Include a registration and No objection certificate from your home institution confirming that you are a registered PhD student
    • A Supporting statement from your current home supervisor indicating that they are willing to support you undertake this fellowship at your host institution.

    Deadline: April 15, 2022

    To apply, Click here

  • Apply for the Slovak Government Scholarships Program 2024/2025

    Apply for the Slovak Government Scholarships Program 2024/2025

    Slovak government offers scholarships to students from designated countries pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees in Slovakia. Scholarship recipients in the Slovak Republic receive discounts from the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport, in addition to stipends, lodging, and other benefits.

    Government scholarships span the term of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD study. However, in extraordinary instances, the Commission of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic may make decisions regarding alterations to this time.

    To enroll in a degree program in Slovak, selected students must complete a one-year preparation course in the language. The program will provide assistance throughout the language course, including a monthly stipend and housing.

    Benefits

    Successful applicants will receive the following benefits

    Bachelors and Masters university study:

    • Monthly scholarship – 400 €
    • One-time stipend upon the commencement of study in the SR  – 100€
    • A One-time stipend upon the completion of study in the SR – 200€
    • Monthly stipend for public university  – 80 €

    PhD university study:

    • Monthly scholarship  – 734€
    • One-time stipend upon the commencement of study in the  SR  – 100€
    • A One-time stipend upon the completion of study in the SR – 200€
    • Monthly stipend for public university  – 240 €

    Language and preparatory studies for all levels of university study:

    • Monthly scholarship – 400 €
    • One-time stipend upon the commencement of study in the SR – 100€
    • Monthly stipend for public university – 80 €

    Eligibility

    To be eligible, applicates will need to fulfil the following criteria:

    Bachelor’s and Master’s degree studies

    • You must have completed and achieved good secondary school grades,
    • Applicants must not be more than 26 years of age at the time of application
    • Candidates must posses strong grades on the major subjects that are key to the specialty preferred.
    • Your high school /Secondary Education must have been completed in the last three (3) years

    Post Graduate (Ph.D. degree studies)

    • Applicants for the scholarship must be serving in the public sector.
    • You must have completed at least two (2) years of continuous public service since your last degree studies.
    • Candidates must have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree of at least Upper Second class honors level.
    • Ph.D. applicants must have a relevant Master’s Degree,
    • You must not have more than 35 years of age at the time of application

    Application

    Eligible applicants must submit their applications using the online portal. To apply you must follow the following procedure

    1. You will have to fill in the application according to the instructions.
    2. Submit all the required attachments. The list of attachments needed are as below.
    • Diplomas and Transcripts of the highest level of education attained
    • Study results from each year of secondary (high) school if applying for bachelor degree.
    • Transcript of records from university if applying for master degree or doctoral (PhD.) degree.
    • Applicants who have not finished their studies yet can attach results (transcript of records) from the last year until the 31 August.
    • Your birth certificate in Slovak, Czech, English, French or Spanish, or a certified translation into one of these languages is required.
    • A photograph measuring 3.5 cm x 4 cm showing the person’s full face
    • Candidates applying for bachelor degree must attach two recommendations from secondary (high) school teachers
    • If you are applying for master degree or PhD you should attach two recommendations from your university teachers.
    • Submit a curriculum vitae and signed motivational letter
    • A copy of the pages of a passport (travel document) containing the personal details of the holder.

    Deadline: May 30, 2024

    To apply, Click here

  • Apply for VinUniversity Scholarships for International students

    Apply for VinUniversity Scholarships for International students

    VinUniversity is an excellent private, not-for-profit university in Vietnam that has strategically partnered with Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania (a top 13 university globally and an Ivy League university in the United States). We have since attracted candidates from all over the world, awarding scholarships to overseas students from 20 countries.

    VinUniversity admissions for the 2023/24 academic year are currently available for four colleges, with the goal of developing young specialists and leaders, notably in the promising disciplines of technology, healthcare, and service.

    1. College Of Business And Management:
    • Bachelor of Business Administration with 6 majors (Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Hospitality Leadership, Marketing and Operation & Supply Chain Management).
    1. College Of Engineering & Computer Science:
    • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
    • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
    • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
    • Bachelor of Science in Data Science
    1. College Of Health Sciences:
    • Doctor of Medicine
    • Bachelor of Nursing
    1. College of Arts and Sciences:
    • Bachelor of Arts in Communication
    • Bachelor of Arts in Economics
    • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

    At VinUniversity, our students have the ability to do academic research with the top 2% of the world’s most cited professors, as well as gain hands-on experience with respected national and international corporations. If you want to attend a great institution with international standards in Vietnam, where you can maximize your ability to follow your dreams while also meeting and learning from competent professors and peers.

    Admission

    🔶 Regular admission round (Undergraduate): https://vinuni.force.com/s/login/
    🕛 Application opens from 15/02/2024 to 23:59 15/05/2024 (Vietnam Time)

    Eligibility:

    • Students who graduate from any high schools in the world with excellent academic capability
    • Minimum IELTS 6.5 with no grades below 6.0

    Scholarships:

    • VinUniversity merit-based scholarships:

    Students with exceptional academic talents, creativity, aspiration, and commitment will get scholarships covering 50%-100% of tuition expenses. Students with remarkable achievements and talent will get full scholarships covering 100% of tuition fees and about $1,500 USD for living expenses.

    • VinUniversity Financial Aid (FA) program:

    This program covers 50% – 100% of the student’s tuition fees for the entire duration of their degree program.

    • Special Financial Aid from Vingroup:

    Vingroup would provide a 35% subsidy to all admitted VinUniversity students in 2024-2025.This subsidy does not apply to students who obtained merit-based awards. Scholarships and Financial Aid

    • AND OTHER additional support from VinUniversity and partner organizations for specific applicants. All students are eligible for MORE THAN 01 types of scholarships and support.

    For more information on VinUniversity programs, please visit: https://vinuni.edu.vn

    Meet Our Admission Team

  • 5 Benefits of Opting for an Online MBA Program

    5 Benefits of Opting for an Online MBA Program

    If you’re an industry professional looking to enhance your skill set and worldwide reach without taking time away from work, an Online MBA is an excellent choice.

    IE Business School is ranked as the top Global Online MBA program by the Financial Times for the ninth consecutive year.

    Similar to the increase of remote and hybrid work since the pandemic, the Global Online MBA at IE Business School offers students the option of entirely remote or hybrid teaching—and that’s not all.

    Here are five reasons why an online MBA program might be suitable for you:

    1. Connect with a global network of industry specialists

    As many MBA grads will tell, the network you create is one of the most valuable advantages that business school has to offer.

    With the majority of students in the IE Global Online MBA having at least three years of experience across a variety of industries, there is plenty of chance to learn from an enriching class. Building an international network is an excellent method to learn about the subtleties of the global business scene and gain insights into other industries.

    With over 80,000 graduates from 176 countries, IE Business School is deeply connected to a worldwide community of business professionals.

    Students in the Global Online MBA program can choose one of three destinations for IE’s annual Global Immersion Week, which has previously taken place in London, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, and Dubai. The event allows students to network, attend seminars, and learn how businesses function in different nations.

    2. Keep up with industry trends

    Business schools recognize the value of being ahead of the curve in the corporate world. When picking an MBA program, it is critical to choose a school that is on top of developing market trends.

    As the first MBA program to make entrepreneurship a requirement, the IE Global Online MBA takes a proactive approach to anticipate business changes.

    Courses offer topics ranging from financial analysis to influence and persuasion, ensuring that students graduate with a diverse skill set and promising employment opportunities. In term three, students can further focus in various specialization areas, such as fintech and strategic management, to get current insights into themes that will have a direct impact on their employment.

    3. An online MBA offers flexibility

    Instead of having to choose between continuing your education and developing your profession, an Online MBA allows you to learn and attend events from wherever you are.

    The Global Online MBA is extremely flexible thanks to IE’s Liquid Learning methodology, which includes interactive tools that allow students to participate online or in person at their campuses in Segovia and Madrid. Fortunately, if the 17-month period does not work with your professional obligations, the program can be extended to 24 or 30 months to accommodate your schedule.

    According to a recent survey, 65% of respondents prefer hybrid work. The customizable structure of an Online MBA aligns with changing work styles.

    4. Get specialized career support

    Career services can help you prepare for your future career from the start of your MBA program.

    While not all management schools spend extensively in career support, IE management School’s Career Transformation Program provides personalized coaching sessions to help students maximize their professional profile for each stage of their job applications.

    Students can establish a career strategy that best positions them in the competitive job market by participating in workshops and individual career counseling. The Talent & Career Center organizes a series of career events that connect students and graduates with renowned recruiters from across the world.

    With a flexible Online MBA, students can increase their professional awareness without being constrained by time or place.

    5. Online MBA programs provide affordability

    An Online MBA is an excellent approach to reduce the cost of an MBA program while maintaining the quality of instruction and employment opportunities.

    The world’s premier Online MBA program at IE Business School costs about €60,000, making it one of the most economical MBA programs available.

    To minimize educational barriers, scholarships of up to 15% tuition waiver are provided based on financial need, academic merit, and diversity.Students can also pay their fees in up to 12 payments with no interest.

    Corporate sponsorship is particularly appealing to Online MBA applicants who want to work around their study. Currently, approximately 45% of IE Global Online MBAs are sponsored by their employers.

  • What’s the Price Tag for an Online MBA in 2024? Here’s What to Know!

    What’s the Price Tag for an Online MBA in 2024? Here’s What to Know!

    Online MBA programs are fantastic for busy folks who don’t want to take time off from work—find out how much an online MBA program will set you back.

    Among the numerous benefits of an online MBA, such as flexibility, building a modern skill set, and accessibility, affordability is likely to be at the top of many people’s lists.

    While online MBA programs are unquestionably less expensive than full-time MBA programs, they remain a major investment, with top-ranked institutions, notably those in the United States, frequently exceeding six figures.

    At highly regarded universities, the curriculum, electives, and faculty are essentially comparable as full-time, in-person MBA programs. Many schools now offer a hybrid approach, which includes in-person courses and residentials to enhance online learning.

    While there are less expensive Online MBA possibilities, it is critical to select a reputed business school that will help you advance your skill set and accelerate your career.

    Businessbecause breaks down the cost of an online MBA from a major business school in 2024.

    Most expensive Online MBA programs

    The listed programs are in the top 10 in either the Financial Times Online MBA 2024 Rankings or the US News & World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs.

    Three of the 18 institutions on our Best Online MBA tables earn more than six figures: Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, and the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.

    Unsurprisingly, the top seven most costly Online MBA programs are all in the United States, with five of them costing more than $90,000.

    While these programs incur significant costs, the return on investment makes them worthwhile.

    Graduates from Carnegie Mellon: Tepper and USC Marshall, the only institutions to appear in both lists, receive considerable income increases, with Marshall alums seeing a 44% increase and Tepper alums seeing a 40% increase.

     

    Online MBAs under $90k

    While some top Online MBAs are expensive, numerous business schools provide top-rated programs for less than $90,000.

    These programs are more widely spread, with universities located throughout Europe and the United States.

    In reality, the top three Online MBAs according to the FT are IE Business School in Spain, Imperial College of Business, and Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom, all priced between $50,000 and $90,000.

    These three programs offer outstanding ROI, despite their high cost. According to Financial Times statistics, graduates of these Online MBA programs earn an average of more over $200k three years after graduation, with Imperial alumni earning an average of $218,315.

    The US universities in this category include Arizona State University: W. P. Carey, which charges $66k for their Online MBA, and the University of Florida Warrington and the University of Arizona: Eller, which charge just beyond the $50,000 mark.

    Highly ranked Online MBA programs for under $50k

    While many top Online MBA programs can be costly, there are several highly ranked Online MBA schools that are far less expensive while still providing a high-quality education.

    Our list includes six business schools that offer an Online MBA degree for less than $50,000, with some programs costing much less.

    These programs operate in the United States, Europe, and Australia. The FT ranked Italy’s Polimi Graduate School of Management and Australia’s AGSM at UNSW Business School’s Online MBA eighth and seventh, respectively. Both business institutions provide Online MBA programs for just over $40,000.

    These programs have a little lower pay growth and average salary rate than those with greater tuition expenses. However, graduates continue to see considerable income increases, with Polimi alumni seeing a 28% gain and AGSM alumni at UNSW average a 26% increase.

    Durham University and Birmingham Business School in the United Kingdom, as well as the University of Kansas in the United States, all cost between $30 and $40 thousand, with Birmingham costing slightly more than $31,000.

    Finally, the University of Bradford School of Management is the most economical of all the Online MBAs on our list, offering a top-rated Online MBA (ranked 10th in the FT) for only $25,000.

    This is a good choice for people looking online a business school that is more accessible and affordable than traditional in-person programs.

    Bradford Online MBA alumni continue to get an exceptional ROI, with a 20% pay rise and an average salary of $147k three years after graduation.

  • U.S.: Carroll College Grants $199K for Scholarships

    U.S.: Carroll College Grants $199K for Scholarships

    Carroll College recently awarded $199,000 in scholarships to 17 students, including the Elsie P. Corette Memorial Scholarship and the Roy F. Simperman Math, Science, and Nursing Scholarships. This year marks 52 years since the Elsie P. Corette Memorial Scholarship was established.

    The scholarship was established at Carroll College through the generosity of Mr. John E. Corette of Butte, Montana, and his children, in remembrance of his wife and mother.

    Five Montana students who want to attend medical school after graduation were awarded the 2024-2025 Elsie P. Corette Memorial Scholarship created at Carroll College. The Corette award is offered to Carroll pre-med majors from Montana thanks to the generosity of 1962 Carroll alumni Roy Simperman of Mercer Island, Washington, who has funded the award since 1994, following the death of his former father-in-law, Mr. John Corette.

    Simperman is the Chairman and CEO of Semaphore Corporation in Seattle. Awards are based on financial need and the likelihood of achievement in medical school. Since 1973, roughly 213 Corette Scholarships have been awarded, totaling nearly $1,451,000, with the vast majority of winners going on to become physicians.

    2024-2025 Corette Scholarship recipients are:

    • Katharina Fihre, junior, biology major, Helena
    • Daxon Graham, senior, biology major, Dillon
    • Gina Leveque-Zapata, senior, biology major, Helena
    • Heather Magera, junior, biology major, Helena
    • Gabrielle Sheridan, senior, health science major, Helena

    Carroll College also named six nursing students to the 2024-2025 Roy F. Simperman Nursing Scholarship, which was established by Mr. Roy Simperman himself. In addition, six math and science majors have received the Simperman Math and Science Scholarship.

    The Roy F. Simperman Math, Science, and Nursing Scholarships provide immediate financial aid to Montana students studying in math, nursing, or science who have a minimum 3.5 grade point average. The scholarships are granted to make Carroll College’s tuition comparable to Montana’s public institutions and universities. The Simperman Math, Science, and Nursing Scholarships at Carroll have awarded $1,374,500 to 119 students over the past fifteen years.

    2024-2025 Simperman Math, Science and Nursing Scholarship recipients are:

    • Brynn Bohrer, junior, biology major, Billings
    • Andrew Bralick, incoming first-year, civil engineering major, Great Falls
    • Alexis Cook, junior, nursing major, Great Falls
    • Delaney Hasquet, senior, nursing major, Butte
    • Luci Horne, incoming first-year, math major, Townsend
    • Samantha Labrum, junior, nursing major, Kalispell
    • Abraham Montalvo, senior, math major, Terry
    • Nicole Nau, incoming first-year, biology major, Sunburst
    • Elaina Patten, senior, nursing major, Helena
    • Allison Streekstra, junior, nursing major, Florence
    • Kenna Thomas, senior, biology major, Belgrade
    • Zoey Wickens, junior, nursing major, Townsend

    Over the years, the Simperman Math, Science and Nursing Scholarships and the Corette Scholarships have provided over $2,825,500 in aid to deserving students. This year’s average award was over $11,706.

    “We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Corette and Simperman families, whose support has profoundly impacted the lives of more than 329 students over the years,” said Dr. John Cech, President of Carroll College. “Their commitment to education through these scholarships not only provides financial assistance but also inspires our students to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination. This philanthropy does more than just fund education; it transforms lives and strengthens the fabric of our communities. On behalf of the entire Carroll College family, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the Corette family and Roy and Frances Simperman for their enduring impact and the bright futures they have helped to foster.”

  • Illinois Art History Scholar, Hermann von Hesse, Awarded 2024 ACLS Fellowship

    Illinois Art History Scholar, Hermann von Hesse, Awarded 2024 ACLS Fellowship

    Hermann von Hesse, an art history professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been awarded an American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship for 2024.

    Von Hesse is one of 60 scholars chosen from 1,100 candidates after a rigorous, multi-stage peer evaluation process, according to an ACLS news release. The grants were offered to early-career, untenured researchers and are worth up to $60,000 for 6-12 months of continuous research and writing. The ACLS Fellowship Program encourages researchers who have the ability to make novel and important contributions to the humanities and interpretive social sciences.

    The award will support von Hesse’s project “Love of Stone Houses”: Urban Merchants, Ancestral Spaces, and Sacred Objects on Africa’s Gold Coast, 1700-1890. This project broadens African and African Atlantic histories and art histories beyond the stereotypical focus on trade goods and sacred relics often associated with African material cultures (especially in the Western imagination) to include property and real estate. Fortified stone buildings housed not only ancestors and living relatives, but they also served as economic hubs, attracting local, regional, and worldwide trade.

    The project investigates how Gold Coast merchant families increasingly used their sacred stone buildings and material assets to gain European credit on imported items throughout the move away from the transatlantic slave trade. These developments influenced Gã and Fante’s concepts of value, security, power, and vulnerability. This study is the first in African and African diaspora studies to historicize the house as an embodied location of overlapping ancestral and physical security, and it contributes to larger understandings of materiality that differ across African cultures and histories.

    Von Hesse was already awarded a 2023 National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship for this study.

    ACLS is a nonprofit federation of 80 scholarly groups, representing American scholarship in the humanities and interpretive social sciences. The ACLS Fellowship Program is primarily sponsored by ACLS’s endowment, which has received contributions from the Mellon Foundation, the Arcadia Charitable Trust, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the ACLS Research University Consortium, and individual benefactors.

  • Leandra Lorenz Named 2023-24 CAA Institutional Scholar-Athlete

    Leandra Lorenz Named 2023-24 CAA Institutional Scholar-Athlete

    Elon University’s Leandra Lorenz was named a CAA Institutional Female Scholar-Athlete by Primis, recognizing her contributions to the women’s cross country and track & field programs. She will be presented with a crystal award.

    Lorenz, a native of Kleinmachnow, Germany, has a 3.972 GPA in exercise science and public health studies. She is the track and field team captain and has participated in a variety of experiential learning activities. Among other things, she has interned at Blakey Hall for assisted living and memory care, worked as an exercise science teaching assistant, attended Phoenix Leadership Academy, and completed an exercise science practicum.

    In competition, Lorenz was the 2022 CAA Track Athlete of the Year and the CAA Championship’s Most Outstanding Track Performer. She is a four-time CAA Champion (winning the 1500 and 5000 in both 2022 and 2023) and has qualified for the NCAA Regionals thrice. Lorenz has been recognized All-CAA seven times in cross country and track & field combined.

  • University of Florida’s Goldwater Scholar Nominees Achieve Historic Milestone

    University of Florida’s Goldwater Scholar Nominees Achieve Historic Milestone

    The Office of Prestigious Awards and Student Success is pleased to inform that all five endorsees for the Goldwater Scholarship have received the final award. This feat, made possible by the students’ remarkable research merits, represents a historic first for the University of Florida. Congratulations, Cole English, Jacques “JP” Fleischer, Julia Jamieson, Dorothy Ware, and Izabela Zmirska.

    Becoming a Goldwater Scholar is extremely competitive. Each higher education institution may endorse no more than five students per year. The award is intended for sophomore and junior undergraduates who want to pursue research careers in mathematics, natural sciences, or engineering. It is the premier undergraduate scholarship in STEM subjects.

    Kelly J. Medley of The Office of Prestigious Awards guided this group of Goldwater Scholars as they worked through the application process. Her favorite aspect about dealing with these pupils was seeing how supportive they were.

    “They largely come from different personal and research backgrounds, but they provided each other with constructive feedback and support all along,” Medley said. “That they championed each other throughout is such a testament to who they will all be as future STEM leaders!”

    Cole English

    Cole English is a third-year student at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. English’s achievements are impressive. He is the first author of several published scientific publications, instructs students and visiting academics, and is now working on more than a dozen projects. His research group is primarily interested in his ideas for mapping protein-DNA interactions.

    “I was honored to learn that I was accepted into the Goldwater community,” he says. “I want to use my developing understanding of theory and expanding laboratory expertise to combat human sickness, particularly cancer. Furthermore, because I come from a small, rural town in North Florida, it is critical that I inspire future generations of scientists and professionals from rural backgrounds to aim high and work hard to make a positive difference in the world.”

    English intends to pursue a PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology. He wants to specialize in biochemistry research, specifically cancer epigenetics and inventing novel ways for gaining deeper insights into cellular processes. English is also dedicated to working as a lecturer and motivating young scientists.

    Jacques “JP” Fleischer

    Jacques “JP” Fleischer is a third-year transfer student in the College of Engineering. Much of his research entails becoming acquainted with current technologies. This includes artificial intelligence (AI), which Fleischer is developing to create new data structures, algorithms, and computer language concepts that will help society.

    Fleischer wants to get a Ph.D. in computer science, become a professor, and continue researching in a university. As a scientist, he believes passionately in the appropriate use of technology. Fleischer’s research will seek to uncover innovative ways to improve human safety through ethical AI applications, such as developing better traffic patterns. He plans to share his data and methods in an open-source environment to encourage broader collaboration in compassionate technology growth.

    Julia Jameson

    Julia Jamieson is a third-year College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student. She studied at Pohang University’s Biofabrication and Translational Medicine Lab in South Korea, produced organoids using microfluidic platforms and 3D bioprinting, and joined a community of researchers working to advance extrusion and microfluidic bioprinting.

    Jamieson plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. She plans to use her experience to create in vitro models that will improve access to organ-on-a-chip devices. She also aims to promote promising alternatives to animal research and expand her knowledge of bioethical ideas. Jamieson hopes that her future professional path will transform the present standard for noninvasive medical research.

    Dorothy Ware

    Dorothy Ware is a third-year College of Liberal Arts and Sciences student. Ware’s life altered when her father was diagnosed with bilateral gliosarcoma. This has motivated her to obtain a degree in biochemistry. Her academic path provides her with knowledge and experience that will help her fight cancer. Ware shadows medical professionals, meets with cancer patients, and contributes to UF’s Dream Team non-profit. She was also a Harvard-Amgen Scholar.

    “When I was eight, my father passed away of bilateral gliosarcoma, a rare form of brain cancer,” Ware said. “He went through months of grueling treatments that felt more punishing than his terminal diagnosis.” I am inspired to create dignified therapies for people like him, to provide cancer patients with not only more time with their loved ones, but also a less difficult battle against cancer.”

    Ware plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. in Immunology. She is driven to make advances in utilizing the immune system to develop revolutionary targeted cancer medicines. Ware is determined to get as knowledgeable as possible in order to save lives.

    Izabela Zmirska

    Izabela Zmirska is a third-year College of Engineering student. She is fascinated about understanding the physical cues that regulate our nervous system and discovering innovative ways to treat disorders like spinal cord injury. Zmirska has studied with mentors who specialize in biomimetic materials and neural engineering, conducted independent research on T-cell development for immunotherapy applications, and developed a proof of concept for biodegradable gels.

    Zmirska intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering after being inspired by her parents’ work with neuropathy patients. Her chosen career path involves performing research at the interface of mechanobiology, neurology, and biomaterials. Her lifelong objective is to use biomaterial therapies to treat illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

     

     

  • Decline of 5% in UK Study Visas in 2023—Impact on International Students?

    Decline of 5% in UK Study Visas in 2023—Impact on International Students?

    The UK Home Office reported that sponsored study visas for main applicants decreased by 5% between 2022 and 2023.

    The dip is the first decrease of international student visas in the UK since 2020, albeit the overall amount remains much higher than in 2019.

    What are the figures and implications for business school applicants seeking study visas in the UK? Here is our analysis.

    The overseas study boom in the United Kingdom may be waning

    The number of visas given to main applicants (i.e., not dependents such as spouses and children) decreased by 5%, from 484,140 in 2022 to 457,673 in 2023.

    There is no need for overseas students to panic. The rate of rejection has not increased appreciably. Not only did the number of visas granted fall, but so did the number of applications, which declined by 3% year on year.

    Prior to this, these figures had been steadily climbing since 2020, resulting in what many termed a “boom” in overseas study in the UK.

     

     

    Of course, this boom cannot last forever, and many may view these developments as an unavoidable plateau as students’ interest wanes.

    However, recent adjustments to visa requirements in the UK may reduce the number of international students even further.

    Incoming policy reforms concerning dependents may accentuate this declining trend

    Effective January 2024, only research-based postgraduate students will be allowed to bring dependents to the UK.

    It was logical to expect applicants to rush to apply for visas before the deadline, but the data show that this was not the case.

    On the contrary, the reduction in visas was particularly severe between the third and fourth quarters of 2023.

    This trimester typically sees a large drop, with the majority of the year’s visas issued to applicants in Q3 in preparation for fall enrollment. However, in 2022, the number of visas issued fell by 75% between Q3 and Q4, and in 2023, it fell by 83%.

    This implies that interest in international studies in the UK was declining regardless of legislative changes; nonetheless, this may continue to have an impact in the future.

    What might overseas students expect in 2024?

    Due to decreased eligibility, the number of dependents traveling to the UK on sponsored study visas is expected to drop dramatically by 2024.

    In 2023, about 25% of visas were awarded to dependents, potentially impacting the number of main applicants arriving to the UK.

    If you intend to study a postgraduate business degree in the United Kingdom and do not have dependents who wish to accompany you, your plans may be unaffected.

    However, if you have a spouse, children, or other dependents, this may have an impact on your long-term study and career plans in the UK.