The Graduate School is proud to celebrate the achievements of current and incoming graduate students who have been recognized by the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). The oldest fellowship of its kind, and one of the most competitive, the NSF GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in STEM disciplines who demonstrate strong academic excellence and research potential.

Established in 1952, the NSF GRFP is widely regarded as a benchmark of early-career research excellence in STEM. Every fall, around 15,000 eager students from across the country apply to the fellowship with only a small fraction receiving awards or honorable mentions. Fellowship awardees receive a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 along with a $16,000 cost of education allowance that allows students to pay for tuition and mandatory fees.

The University has a strong and growing legacy of NSF GRFP success. This fall, the University will welcome four new fellows, joining the current 15 fellows already enrolled in graduate programs, reflecting the quality of student scholarship and faculty mentorship across the institution. The Graduate School is pleased to announce the newest awardees and honorable mentions to join the ranks of other high-achieving scholars.

NSF GRFP 2026 Awardees

• David Hopp, incoming Ph.D. student Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB)
• Katherine Johnson, 1st year Ph.D. student EECB
• Quinn Padovan, Chemistry/Honors B.S. December 2025
• Mimi Payne, 1st year Ph.D. student Hydrology

NSF GRFP 2026 Honorable Mentions

• Emily Brewer, 1st year Ph.D. student EECB
• Seamus Caslin, 1st year Ph.D. student EECB
• Lalise Gizaw, Computer Science & Engineering/Mathematics/Honors B.S. December 2025
• Angela “Geo” January, Neuroscience B.S. May 2026
• Kristina Priotto, 1st year Master’s student Geography
• Jacob Smith, 1st year Ph.D. student EECB
• Manon Vezinet, incoming Ph.D. student EECB

While NSF GRFP honorable mentions do not receive federal funding, the distinction is a significant recognition and should be celebrated. Receiving honorable mention signals strong research potential and competitiveness for future fellowships and grants. In recognition of this achievement, the Graduate School is delighted to award each 2026 NSF GRFP Honorable Mention recipient with a $5,000 scholarship, underscoring the University’s commitment to supporting and celebrating academic excellence among its graduate students.

The Graduate School, in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate and Graduate Fellowships and the Office of Research and Innovation, offers workshops, writing training, proposal feedback, and one-on-one services to help prepare students wanting to apply for the fellowship. Several of this year’s scholars, in addition to their faculty mentorship, utilized these services, showcasing the exceptional services and mentorship across several University units. For any current University undergraduates, particularly juniors and seniors, the Graduate School is hosting a workshop about this fellowship on Friday, April 24 at 12 p.m. in PSAC 114. Any eligible students are encouraged to attend to learn more about the fellowship and application process.

Congratulations to all 2026 NSF GRFP awardees and honorable mentions on this outstanding accomplishment! We look forward to the continued contributions these scholars will make to their disciplines, the University, and the broader scientific community.