Prestigious NSF Graduate Fellowships Awarded

Four UNH students have received National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, given to students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Considered one of the foremost awards in the STEM fields, the five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support, with an annual stipend and tuition allowance. 

In 2020, the National Science Foundation received over 13,000 applications for the graduate research awards and made approximately 2,000 offers to qualified students. UNH recipients include Morgan Saidel ’21 and Evan England ’21 and UNH graduate students Aliya Caldwell and David Heit. Graduating seniors Audrey Coleman ’21 and Tan Dao ’21, both physics majors, were awarded honorable mentions.

Evan England ’21, project coordinator for IOD's NH Disability & Public Health Project, is finishing their bachelor’s degree with a sociology major this May. But they aren't going anywhere. They are excited to begin the master’s program in sociology right here at UNH this fall.

A non-traditional student who explored a number of careers before beginning undergraduate work, England has found passion and focus in the social sciences and gender studies.

England’s graduate research will examine the LGBTQ inclusiveness of reproductive and sexual health services in a state-representative sample of 65 clinics throughout New Hampshire.

“These services, often referred to as ‘women’s’ health, can be alienating for transgender, transmasculine and non-binary people who need supportive access to these potentially life-saving screenings, treatments and counseling services,” says England.

“I hope that my research will provide important insight into LGBTQ+ inequality, gendered healthcare and impacts by rural or urban location,” they say, “and may help to reform healthcare delivery on the local, state and national levels.”

England’s award will give them the freedom and resources to address contemporary social issues head-on, they say, adding, “I also feel that, by awarding me this fellowship, the National Science Foundation is letting the country know that social research is a valuable and important element of STEM.”

To read the full announcement, please visit UNH Today.

Link: https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2021/04/prestigious-nsf-graduate-fellowshi…