Three students with links with the University of Connecticut recently obtained graduate research scholarships from the National Science Foundation (NSF-GRF). The trio includes a current graduate student and two former alumni, one of whom is currently listed in the UCONN research and mentoring program for the post-baccalaureate program (RAMP).
The oldest graduate scholarship of the genre, the NSF-GRFP was awarded for the first time in 1952. The program recognizes and supports exceptional students in the disciplines supported by the NSF who pursue master’s degrees and doctorate based on research in the United States. In addition to an annual allocation of three years of $ 37,000, plus an additional $ 16,000 paid to the student’s original establishment, scholarship holders have access to a wide range of professional development possibilities during their graduate careers.
The graduate research scholarships, still highly competitive, have become even more this year, because the NSF has radically reduced the number of scholarships it has awarded. In the past decade, the NSF has awarded approximately 2,100 scholarships per year on an annual pool of almost 14,000 requests – an acceptance rate of approximately 15%. In 2025, the NSF granted only 1,000 scholarships.
“Almost three-quarters of a century after its creation, the NSF-GRFP remains the golden stallion of higher education scholarships supporting advanced studies in STEM disciplines,” explains Vin Moscardelli, director of the UCONN national scholarships and scholarships. “The scholarship holders are recognized not only for their academic and learned promise, but also for their demonstrated commitment to have an impact beyond their research efforts. Winning a research scholarship graduated from the NSF this year – when the total number of awards has been reduced by more than half – is a testimony to the remarkable promise shown by these three future scientists. “
The 13 beneficiaries combined with UCONN in 2024 and 2025 direct all public universities in New England. The school also had three undergraduate students, four graduate students and nine alumni who obtained an honorable mention in this cycle.
The two students currently in Uconn are:
Hailey Baranowski ’24 (Cahnr, Clas) was a member of Ramp program And worked in the laboratory of ecology and the professor of evolutionary biology Elizabeth Jockusch. There, they sought the development and morphological function of new genes in the beetles of red flour.
Baranowski will start studies of doctoral at the University of Illinois this fall and will continue research on the health of bees while pursuing a doctorate in entomology.
“Bees are vital for food security and the beauty of our world,” says Baranowski. “This scholarship allows me to continue the questions to answer to save them and us.
“The support I have received from my connections to UCONN made this possible. As the first cycle, I finished my first research project using a Surf Grant of the undergraduate research office And worked with a wide variety of external teachers and collaborators who continued to support me beyond obtaining the diploma. »»
Brown savannah is a second -year graduate student in evolutionary ecology and biology and is also supervised by Jockusch. His research focuses on shooters and cicadelles – a group of charismatic and morphologically captivating insects that thrive in almost all corners of the world.
“The reward of the NSF-GRFP is an incredible honor, in particular at a time when the value of science and our work in research institutions is doubted by many,” explains Brown. “As a first generation student who has faced important obstacles in my journey in the academic world, I am deeply recognizing that this scholarship recognizes me not only for the value of my research, but especially as a human whose contributions to the scientific community go beyond intellectual merit alone.”
Jockush, who is currently head of department in ecology and evolutionary biology, described Baranowski and Brown as “a dynamic laboratory duo this year”.
“The savannah is intellectually voracious. She is also a passionate observer, a self-starter and a quick learner who encompasses the opportunities to be framed and serve as a mentor, ”explains Jockush. “I am sure that I have already learned as much from Savanna as I am. Savanna would probably say the same thing about Hailey, which she mentors.
“A little on the UCONN trip in Hailey was predictable. She was apicaceous, a pupil and a crowd of a Whu` `The Hive ‘radio program, which presents funny facts on bees as well as music.
“In different ways, Savanna and Hailey have both won this honor and the freedom she brings to continue their curiosity.”
In addition to Baranowski and Brown, Abigail Yu ’20 (Clas)Who obtained his undergraduate diploma in physiology and neurobiology, also received a research scholarship graduated from the NSF. She is currently a graduate student at the UCLA in the school’s interministic doctoral program for neuroscience.
THE National scholarship office and scholarships (ONSF) is a resource for students interested in knowing more about the NSF graduate scholarship and other prestigious scholarships and graduate studies in all areas. ONSF is one of the enrichment programs and is open to all graduate and undergraduate students of the university, including students from regional campuses. For more information, contact Vin Moscardelli, director of Uconn’s National scholarship office and scholarships.