July 14, 2015 – Fort Valley State University biotechnology and biology-forensics students are being invited to apply for a scholarship program being sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The university will select 25 eligible students from the identified majors to receive up to $4,000 per academic year for the NSF S-STEM Scholarships.
The university’s biotechnology and biology-forensics program prepare students for careers by providing them with challenging curriculums in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields. These aspiring researchers also receive hands-on training with cutting-edge technology. The students are also provided with research internships, graduate and professional school preparation and required to present at scientific meetings.
According to Dr. Sarwan Dhir, professor of plant biotechnology and director of the Center for Biotechnology, the university’s S-STEM Scholarship Program was designed for majors with academic talent and financial need.
“We wanted to eliminate the need for off-campus employment that could inhibit a student from reaching his/her highest potential in the fields of Plant-Science-Biotechnology or Forensic Science Concentrations,” Dhir said.
The scholarship can be granted as supplemental funding for other scholarships or awards already attained. Students will be required to attend mentorship seminars, summer internship experiences or other extra-curricular exposure and assignments to improve their learning.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
• Applicants must be seeking a bachelor’s degree, attend graduate school, or a career in the area of biotechnology or forensic science.
• Applicant must be a full time student at FVSU – 12 or more credit hours.
• Applicants must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
• Applicants must complete the 2014 FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov and include the FAFSA PDF confirmation page.
• Applicants must be willing to participate in an internship experience that reflects their academic goals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
For details for biotechnology scholarship program, contact Rosalyn Smith at (478) 825-6887, (478) 825-6320 or email dhirs0@fvsu.edu. For details about the forensics program, call Seema Dhir at (478) 825-6849.
Pictured: Dr. Sarwan Dhir, director of the Center for Biotechnology, working with students.