The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and further drives the research of outstanding graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program was established in 1951, solidifying its place in history as the oldest fellowship program in the United States.

This year, nine students from the University of Nevada, Reno were awarded the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Over the course of the last nineteen years, only eleven students from the University of Nevada, Reno have received this award.

"NSF GRFP awards are highly prestigious and the number of awards received by an institution is a measure of the strength and quality of its graduate programs," said David Zeh, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School. "These awards enhance the University's reputation and thus increase the number of applications to the institution by high performing students."

"Fellowships, such as those awarded by the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, provide graduate students with nationally recognized prestige, funding for their education, and the financial and academic independence to pursue projects of interest. Applying for fellowships makes students better writers and thinkers, and being awarded a fellowship increases a student's chances of obtaining future awards," Zeh said.

The 2017 graduate student awardees and their graduate program are:

Chelsea Cluff, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Nadya Muchoney, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology

Danielle Salcido, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology

Devin Smith, Biochemistry

Jose Villalobos, Biochemistry

The 2017 undergraduate student awardees and their field of study are:

Michelle Fuhrman, Chemistry

Jeremy Moon, Materials Research

Justin Major, Engineering Education

Josue Regalado, Neuroscience

"These awards will provide GRFP award-winning graduate students substantial financial support that will allow them to focus on their research. The students have demonstrated a high aptitude for academic research at an early point in their careers, and they are committed to training the next generation of scientists. Additionally, GRFP award winners are also able to apply for international research experiences and research experiences utilizing US national laboratories that are only reserved for GRFP recipients," said Ian Wallace, assistant professor for the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

For application procedures, eligibility requirements and more information regarding the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program visit nsfgrfp.org