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UND NSPA Monthly Communiqué

March 2023, Issue 25

UND NSPA MonthlyCommuniqué March 2023, Issue 25
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A Meaningful Life

Last year the world watched helplessly as Russia invaded Ukraine (analysts estimate more than 100,000 troops on both side have been killed and wounded to date). This year our hearts ache for Türkiye and Syria (death toll 46,000+) due to the earthquake.


Such catastrophic life events cannot help but make one think about the privilege of living and the value of creating a meaningful life. If you ever dreamed big and wondered how to solve problems of enormous scale and complexity, national scholarship opportunities offer one pathway. These awards offer the opportunity to make transformative change to the world, while adding meaning to the life of the recipient in the process.


How fortunate I am to work with amazing students who strive to live a meaningful life. In the course of their applications, they demonstrate the most beautiful aspects of human nature. They are ambitious, brave, clever, and principled. They seek opportunities that allow them to bring light to darkened corners and to create strength from deep sorrows.They are selected for showing a potential to lead others through global challenges of unimaginable complexity.


In this issue I recognize the MAGNIFICENT SEVEN: seven UND students who ALL advanced in the Department of Defense's SMART competition. These semifinalists are living a meaningful life. Congratulations to Thomas Iken, Dallas McNeal, Mario Medeles, Maya Orvis, Lance Roadifer, Elisabeth Starosta, and Kordell Tan. And, I send a special thank you to Dr. Ryan Zerr, Associate Dean of A & S, and Mary Feller, Career Coach and Mentor Coordinator of Career Services, who provided mock interviews for these students.


Yee Han Chu PhD

Academic Support and Fellowship Opportunities Coordinator

The MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

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Thomas Iken

YR of Study: Junior

Majors: Double major in Physics and Mathematics

Why did you Select this Program: I wanted to participate in the SMART scholarship program because I would like to work for the Department of Defense conducting research to make the our nation a safer place.

Career Goals: I would like to get my Ph.D. in solid state physics and work in the area of thermoelectric devices.

Thank You: I would like to thank my physics research advisor Dr. Oncel, my mathematics advisor Dr. Zerr, and my National Guard Commander CW3 Landman

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Dallas McNeal

YR of Study: Freshman at UND

Majors: Mechanical Engineering

Why did you Select this Program: It looked like a good fit for me, because I wanted to design something that could easily be used in the military, a supersonic transport.

Career Goals: My intentions are to create a supersonic transport, a really fast, large body air transport, that is capable of replacing many of the transports/heavy bombers in service with our armed forces, most of which are aging and in disrepair.

Thank You: To alll my letter writers. In particular, Dr. Timothy Schoppert, an aerospace engineer and adjunct faculty from Embry-Riddle, my very first professor. I learned to give my very best, in everything that I do as well as my father.

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Mario Medeles

YR of Study: Freshman

Major: Computer Science

Why did you select this Program: I was really intrigued by the opportunities the program provided and the potential experiences that I could be put into. The sheer amount of sponsoring facilities that specialize in respective areas of study was quite overwhelming and seemed like an amazing challenge to get me into.

Thank You: Prof. Hume, Dr. Yee Han, Glenn Johnson, Jacob Smith, Carissa Green, and UND for offering such great opportunities.

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Maya Orvis

YR of Study: Freshman

Major: Medical Lab Science

Why did you Select this Program: It was an amazing opportunity to further my education while also contributing and giving back to our nation

Career Goals: Rural medicine physician, hopefully serving rural Minnesota where I grew up

Thank You: My mom and dad- I couldn’t do it without them, my wonderful reference letter writers, and UND for having such a supportive environment that strives for excellence!

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Lance Roadifer

YR of Study: Sophomore

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Why did you Select this Program: I've always had an interest in the DoD and I'm excited to see what opportunities could come from this

Career Goals: Someday work for the DoD and help develop next generation aircraft

Thank You: Huge shout out to Yee Han for guiding me through the application process, Carrissa Green, MSgt Dibble, Dr. McNally & Dr. Ness for their help and support.

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Elisabeth Starosta

YR of Study: Freshman

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Why did you Select this Program: The DoD has some of the greatest engineering facilities and brightest minds working for the security of our country. I believed I could learn a lot from working in one of them if I was selected for the scholarship. I wanted to be a part of one of their many amazing projects.

Career Goals: To work at a hospital as an MD and conduct research on the side.

Thank You: My friends, my professors (specifically my letter writers Dr. Ewert and Dr. Carmichael!) and Dr. Chu and Carissa Green

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Kordell Tan

YR of Study: 1st Year Biomedical Engineering PhD Student, (Started May 2022)

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Why did you Select this Program: The main reason I selected the DoD Smart Scholarship, other than the benefit of the full-tuition scholarship and guaranteed employment after graduation, was to pursue the opportunity of conducting research in specialized topics, made relevant by the applications of the DoD.

Career Goals: My main objectives include creating new medical technologies to improve patient care and the device user experience. Specifically, my career goal is to be an expert in all aspects of medical device development, from concept to market, and be a subject matter expert in multiple disciplinary areas, such as electrical, mechanical, and material sciences.

Thank You: I would like to thank Dr. Kouhyar Tavakolian, Dr. Daniel Ewert, and Dr. Enrique Alvarez for the continuous academic support, the support and encouragement from my parents, Michael and Daisy Tan, and my fiance, Kaysha Nguyen for doing everything she can to help and encourage me pursue all of my goals and dreams.

Sydney Menne, 2023 Marshall & Matthew Isakowitz Scholar, on ND Today Live: What are the Traits of a Strong Scholarship Applicant

Post-Graduate Opportunites: Graduating Seniors, Recent Graduates, Graduate Students, & Early Career Professionals

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Are you interested in international research, study, or teaching? Learn about U.S. Fulbright Student Scholarships

Please join us for an interactive Fulbright U.S. Student Group Presentation Session (GPS) to learn about opportunities for U.S. citizens to pursue graduate or professional study, conduct research, or teach English. During the session, you will find out about the types of Fulbright awards, application components, tips, and get your questions answered. Following the program overview, attendees will enter a breakout room with UND Fulbright reps. to learn more about applying through their institution. Competition opens in April. Fulbright US Student Deadline: October 10, 2023


When: Mon. March 20, 2023 at 3PM – 4PM CST

Where: ONLINE!

To Register & Get a LINK: https://apply.iie.org/register/GPS7

UND Fulbright Assistance

  • Dr. Yee Han Chu, Fulbright Program Advisor
  • Dr. Melissa Gjellstad, Department Chair of Modern and Classical Languages & Literatures, Professor and Director of Norwegian
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Fulbright Research Opportunities

  • Senior Thesis
  • Master's Thesis
  • Dissertation
  • Independent Project
https://us.fulbrightonline.org/applicants/types-of-awards/study-research
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Fulbright Study Opportunities

  • 1 Year Master's
  • Specific University Partnership
  • General Coursework
https://us.fulbrightonline.org/applicants/types-of-awards/study-research
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Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Opportunities

  • 1100+ Awards
  • About 75 Countries
https://us.fulbrightonline.org/applicants/types-of-awards/english-teaching-assistant-awards
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Udall's Native American Graduate Fellowship in Tribal Policy

The Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III Native American Graduate Fellowship in Tribal Policy (Native American Graduate Fellowship) recognizes outstanding Native American and Alaska Native graduate students who are currently pursuing advanced degrees in health care fields—including, but not limited to, health administration, health education, public health, medical practice, policy, research, or related-degrees—and who have demonstrated a commitment to Native health care. The Native American Graduate Fellowship Program honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III.


In 2023, the Udall Foundation anticipates awarding up to two Fellowships of $25,000 each. The 2023 Native American Graduate Fellowship runs August, 2023 to August, 2024. Deadline: May 19, 2023

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Are you Interested in a Fully Funded Graduate or Professional Degree at Stanford University: Knight Hennessy Scholarship INFO Sessions

About Knight-Hennessy Scholars

  • Knight-Hennessy Scholars cultivates and supports a multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare graduates to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world.
  • The goal of Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) is to educate and prepare a community of scholars for leadership roles in academia, industry, government, nonprofits, and the community at large.
  • Scholars may pursue a graduate education in any of Stanford seven schools. See all graduate degrees available at Stanford.
  • Scholars will receive funding for tuition and fees, as well as a stipend covering associated academic expenses, room and board, and personal expenses. Learn more about Funding.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Knight-Hennessy Scholars has no restrictions based on age, college or university, field of study, or career aspiration. There are two baseline eligibility requirements: admission to Stanford and the undergraduate degree date. Visit the Eligibility section on our website to learn more.

The Application Process

  • Our online application opens in the summer and is due in fall, the year prior to enrollment.
  • To be considered for Knight-Hennessy Scholars, candidates must apply to the Stanford graduate degree program that they wish to pursue.

The Rationale for Knight-Hennessy Scholars

  • Knight-Hennessy Scholars was founded in 2016 by Phil Knight, MBA ’62, philanthropist, American businessman and co-founder of Nike Inc., and John Hennessy, who served as Stanford University’s 10th president from 2000 to 2016. Mr. Knight and President Emeritus Hennessy recognized an opportunity for greater leadership across a variety of sectors in our society, and created a graduate-level scholarship to address this systemic issue.
  • Mr. Knight and numerous other benefactors provided founding gifts totaling more than $750 million, which makes Knight-Hennessy Scholars the largest fully endowed graduate fellowship in the world. President Emeritus Hennessy is the visionary behind Knight-Hennessy Scholars and continues to serve as the program’s inaugural Shriram Family Director.
  • https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/


East-West Center in Washington Young Professionals Program

East-West Center in Washington Young Professionals Program
The East-West Center in Washington offers a chance each semester for undergraduates and recent graduates to gain first-hand experience at a US-Indo-Pacific research and education organization in DC. Applicants typically have a strong interest in US-Indo-Pacific relations and may be studying international relations, Asia studies, international economics, international political economy, public policy, international business, or other similar areas of study. $2,000 per month stipend. Candidates must have the ability to work in the US, but need not be citizens. Deadline: March 12, 2023 https://www.eastwestcenter.org/washington/young-professionals-program

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Fulbright Scholar Program

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. College and university faculty, as well as artists and professionals from a wide range of fields can join over 400,000 Fulbrighters who have come away with enhanced skills, new connections, and greater mutual understanding. Deadline: 9.15.23

Please see here for opportunities within the U.S. Scholar program:

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Fulbright Specialist

The Fulbright Specialist Program pairs highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions abroad to share their expertise, strengthen institutional linkages, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn about other cultures while building capacity at their overseas host institutions. Specialists, who represent a wide range of professional and academic disciplines, are competitively selected to join the Fulbright Specialist Roster based on their knowledge, skill sets, and ability to make a significant contribution to projects overseas. Deadline: 5.5.23

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Fulbright International Education Administrators Seminar

Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Seminars are fully funded opportunities for U.S. higher education administrators to participate intensive two-week seminars abroad to learn about other countries’ higher education systems. By participating in a Fulbright IEA seminar, you can build your institution’s capacity for international education, gain a cross-cultural perspective, and open doors to collaboration with colleagues and students throughout the world:

India - Deadline: 9.15.23; Taiwan - Deadline: 9.15, 23; Japan - Deadline: 11.1.23; Korea - Deadline: 11.1, 23; France - Deadline: 2.1.24; Germany - Deadline: 2.1.24

Official Scholarshp Deadlines

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Yee Han Chu PhD MSSW

Academic Support and Fellowship Opportunities Coordinator

Email to schedule an appointment.

Drop-In Hours at the Chester Fritz Library-Knowledge Commons on TUES from 10-Noon



Cancel 3.14.23 for Spring Break

https://libguides.und.edu/knowledge-commons

Email: yee.chu@und.edu
Website: https://und.edu/academics/national-scholarships/index.html
Location: Columbia Hall, Room B307
Phone: (701) 777-4436