Student Heroes
The drawing to a close of an academic year gives us time to reflect on what we need during trying times. While each person plays a part, challenges require a select few to emerge as heroes. National scholarships set aside funds to identify and support such heroes who can build consensus to solve problems across any field. Of course, these scholarship heroes need not singularly shoulder the world's problems like comic book characters. They more often build a culture of hope for all one brave deed at a time.
Our scholarship year ends with announcement that real heroes exist among our UND student community. Congratulations this month to Frances Eby, Nathan Foster, Patricia Hopp, Merrick McMahon, Michelle Nguyen, Cheyden Paulson, and Joel Runnels. Some of their stories have already been shared through UND Today on 4.8.21 and 4.27.21.
This month I offer a more detailed look into what inspires Patricia Hopp and Cheyden Paulson . A summary of this semester's awardees will appear in the NSPA Semesterly Communiqué, produced by the NSPA students, released later this week.
Thank you for a remarkable year and have a great summer!
Yee Han Chu PhD MSSW
Academic Support and Fellowship Opportunities Coordinator
Congratulations to Patricia (Trece) Hopp: 2021 NOAA Hollings Awardee
What is the NOAA Hollings Scholarship?
The NOAA Hollings Scholarship Program's goals are to increase undergraduate training in various fields, increase public understanding of the ocean and atmosphere while improving environmental literacy, and prepare students for future careers in public service and academia.
Hollings Scholars receive academic assistance, up to $9,500 per year for two years of full-time study. In addition to the financial assistance, students will complete a 10-week paid internship at a NOAA facility during the summer between their first and second year of the program (junior and senior year).
Why did you apply?
I am currently doing atmospheric research with a faculty member (Prof. Mike Poellot) at UND and was informed of this program through them. The more I looked into it, the more interested I became. The thing that stuck out the most was the internship opportunity. Working as a social scientist for NOAA is one of my dream jobs and to be given the opportunity to dip my toes in the water sounding like the perfect way to spend the summer.
What did you do to prepare your application?
The essay question was very broad, so I had to make sure I was answering the question while also really getting into my passions. I knew I wanted to talk about some connection between the social sciences and atmospheric sciences, but I wasn't aware of how that intersection would work. I attend the AMS (American Meteorological Society) Student Conference and was exposed to a whole difference side of atmospheric and social sciences. I learned how they were able to connect and was able to see where my interests fit into the puzzle piece. I then discussed that intersection and passion in my application.
How does the Hollings fit within your academic plans?
I am currently majoring in atmospheric sciences with minors in mathematics and dance. One of the major organizations that uses atmospheric scientists is NOAA and the Hollings provides direct exposure to that organization.
I would like to go to graduate school for a social sciences degree but more specifically, the intersection between atmospheric science and the social sciences. My undergraduate program focuses on the hard sciences that make up atmospheric science; I am hoping that the Hollings will allow me to explore how the social sciences feed into atmospheric sciences.
I want to study how weather is communicated by scientists and interpreted by the community. From there, I want to find solutions to any misunderstanding to make sure that our communities are safe during severe and hazardous weather.
What were your first reactions to finding out you won?
My first reaction was "oh my goodness, I did it. I actually did it". I worked very hard on this application and learned so much about myself during the process, and I was just so incredibly happy that I did it! My second reaction was "I have to tell everyone that helped me and thank them for their endless support!". I was so excited to tell everyone that gave time to help me with my application and thank them for their time and support. This process would not have been what it was without my mentor and supporters both in the university and outside.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying?
I would advise anyone who is applying to truly write about your passion. Almost every single field of study can fit into the mission of NOAA. They want to know how YOU can fit into the mission. Let that passion drive you and you will write an essay beyond what you thought you could and no matter the outcome, you will have learned something about yourself and your dreams. Good luck, you've got this!
Congratulations to Chedyen Paulson: 2021 Critical Language Scholarship-Azerbaijani Awardee
What is the CLS?
The CLS is an international scholarship awarded by the United States Department of State. It stands for “Critical Language Scholarship.” Their website explains that the CLS stems from the “U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages.”
Why did you apply?
I applied because while I was taking the class Comparative Politics. Professor Sum mentioned it to me. I found it to be the perfect scholarship for me as I have experience learning languages, and I eventually would love to work for the Department of State.
What did you do to prepare your application?
For my application, I did research on the language and culture of Azerbaijan, the language for which I applied. I then, with the help of Yee Han Chu, Carissa Green, and Paul Sum (who wrote my letter of recommendation), created and submitted a series of essays required for the scholarship.
How does the CLS fit within your academic plans?
The CLS fits perfectly with my academic plans. I am majoring in International Studies with minors in Spanish and Political Science. I will possibly pursue a masters in International Relations. This scholarship will provide me with important knowledge as well as give me an edge when applying for future internships and jobs.
What were your first reactions to finding out you won?
When I first found out I won, I was very excited. I began to spend much more time studying the language and preparing for the program.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying?
If you’re thinking about applying, I would advise thinking about your strengths and how to show them through essays. This scholarship is for anyone, not just International Studies majors. Also, UND has wonderful people like Yee Han Chu who are extremely helpful.
NSPA Book Party
NSPA would like to congratulate all students who have applied for national and international scholarships/internships this academic year. Applicants have been invited to a Book Party on May 7, 2021 to celebrate submitting their application, a time-intensive feat! Invitees will be asked to introduce themselves through a book that answered the question, "What book gave you valuable skills that are going to be useful in your future occupation? (Either emotional or physical skills.) Attendees will take home a book from the list of books identified at the party.
Summer Consultation Available
- Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme in the Humanities (Oxford University)
- Fulbright US Student Program (Over 140 countries participating)
- Fulbright US Scholar Program (For US academics, professionals, and administrators)
- Gates-Cambridge (Cambridge University)
- German Chancellor Scholarship
- Knight-Hennessy (Attend a KH Information Session)
- Marshall (Almost any University in the United Kingdom)
- Mitchell (Universities in Ireland)
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
- Rhodes (Oxford University)
- Schwarzman (Tsinghua University in Beijing)
UND participates in the 2022 Goldwater-Moore Foundation Diversity and Inclusion Initiative
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate.
The Goldwater Foundation is a federally endowed agency established by Public Law 99-661 on November 14, 1986. The Scholarship Program honoring Senator Barry Goldwater was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers in the fields of the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The Goldwater Scholarship is the preeminent undergraduate award of its type in these fields.
Dr. Gisele Muller-Parker will provide UND consultation on the Goldwater application process. Dr. Muller-Parker is a former professor of marine science at Western Washington University (20 years). She recently retired from the National Science Foundation, where she served as lead Program Director for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP, 10 years). She is now a reviewer for the Goldwater Foundation and a consultant for this initiative.
Yee Han Chu and NSPA
Email: yee.chu@und.edu
Website: https://und.edu/academics/national-scholarships/
Location: Columbia Hall, Room B307 501 North Columbia Road, Stop 7187 Grand Forks, ND 58202-7187
Phone: (701)777-4436
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/108818960563786/posts/196605401785141/?d=n&substory_index=0