The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions. Fellows share in the prestige and opportunities that become available when they are selected. Fellowships provide the student with a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees (paid to the institution), as well as access to opportunities for professional development available to NSF-supported graduate students.
2022-23 Winners
Melanie Zaidel
Zaidel is a first-year graduate student in the Department of Physics advised by Professor John Beacom. Her research interests are centered in applying theoretical principles of microscopic particle physics to understand macroscopic astronomical systems. Zaidel's proposed research project focuses on analyzing the properties of dark matter using observations of gamma-rays, neutrinos and cosmic rays.
Before starting graduate school at Ohio State in August 2022, she attended Pennsylvania State University and double-majored in physics as well as astronomy and astrophysics with a minor in mathematics. In addition to involvement in undergraduate research experiences at Michigan State University, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Penn State, Zaidel was involved in the Penn State Millennium Scholars Program and the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program.
Outside of research, she is excited to mentor undergraduate students and hopes to help engage the general public with physics and astronomy.
Mackenzie Scott
Scott, an honors student advised by Professor Michael Lisa, double majored in astronomy and astrophysics and physics with a minor in history while at Ohio State. She graduated from the university in 2023 and is currently an astrophysics PhD student at Michigan State University.
2023-24 Winners
Anya Phillips
Phillips double majored in physics and astronomy and astrophysics with a minor in math while at Ohio State. After graduating in May, she will attend Harvard University to pursue a PhD in astronomy.
Michael Kuban
Kuban majored in engineering physics with a focus in computer science engineering while at Ohio State. After graduating in May, he will attend Carnegie Mellon University to work toward his PhD in electrical and computer engineering.
