ME
Michael Engesser
  • Computer Science
  • Medford, NY

Michael Engesser of Medford Selected for New SUNY Oneonta Scholarship Program

2013 Aug 30

Michael Engesser of Medford, NY, is one of 12 SUNY Oneonta freshmen selected to participate in "Critical MaSS: Math and Science Scholars," a new scholarship program supporting students who plan to pursue careers or advanced degree programs in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

Each student received a $2,700 scholarship award for the Fall 2013 semester. If they continue to meet program criteria, they will receive a similar scholarship each semester, totaling up to eight, while they are STEM majors at SUNY Oneonta.

Engesser, who is majoring in Computer Science at SUNY Oneonta, is a graduate of Longwood Senior High School.

In addition to the scholarships (up to $21,600 per student), Critical MaSS scholars will have access to a variety of experiences to bolster their chances of academic success and increase their level of engagement. For example, during their junior year, each scholar will be awarded up to $1,500 to fund a research project or professional development activity, such as attending a scientific meeting.

The Critical MaSS program is funded by a five-year grant awarded through the National Science Foundation's S-STEM Program. It will support a total of 24 SUNY Oneonta students in the fields of Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science & Statistics, Physics & Astronomy or Environmental Science with scholarships of up to $5,400 per year.

"Although SUNY Oneonta is well-known for having low student debt costs at graduation, there are still many students whose families have difficulty paying for college," said project coordinator Dr. John Schaumloffel, chair of the college's Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. "The S-STEM program will offer a wide variety of experiences and opportunities to help students graduate in their major, in four years, as engaged scientists and mathematicians, while helping to reduce their debt burden."

Working closely with Schaumloffel on the project are Dr. Jennifer Withington, assistant professor of Biology; Dr. Jason Smolinski, assistant professor of Physics and Astronomy; and Dr. Nathan Gonyea, associate professor of Educational Psychology, Counseling and Special Education.

A liberal arts college focused on teaching and learning, SUNY Oneonta ranks 16th among the "Top Public Regional Universities--North" in the 2014 U.S. News and World Report rankings, sits at No. 59 on the Kiplinger's magazine list of the "100 Best Values in Public Colleges" and has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for excellence in community engagement. The college enrolls 6,000 students in its 70 undergraduate majors and 15 graduate programs.