SU
Sierra Ulrich
  • Biology
  • Class of 2018
  • Sherburne, NY

Sierra Ulrich Selected to Receive SUNY Oneonta S-STEM Scholarship

2014 Sep 30

Sierra Ulrich of Sherburne, NY, is one of 15 SUNY Oneonta freshmen selected this year to participate in Critical MaSS: Math and Science Scholars, a 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 scholarship award of up to $2,700 for the fall 2014 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.

Ulrich is majoring in Biology.

In addition to the scholarships (up to $21,600 per student), Critical MaSS scholars will have access to a variety of required and optional experiences to bolster their chances of academic success and increase their level of engagement. For example, during their junior year, each scholar will have access to 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. Nine students who began the program last fall are in their second year as Critical MaSS scholars.

"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. Leigh Fall, assistant professor of geology within the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences; and Dr. Nathan Gonyea, associate professor of Educational Psychology, Counseling and Special Education.