Current WiSE Scholarship Recipients
WiSE Scholarship Recipients 2022-2023
WiSE Scholarship Recipients 2022-2023
Across the globe, women are under-represented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. According to the National Science Foundation’s report on Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering, “As an example of the underrepresentation of women in S&E fields, the share of S&E research doctorates awarded to women in 2017 was 41% versus their 51.5% of the population and 47% of the labor force.”
In 2007, Dr. Ann M. Muir, Suzanne B. Patenaude, and Beverly Curtice, with the help of Dr. Dana Garcia of the Biology Department established the Women's Giving Circle to support women in STEM. Students attending Texas State University who are pursuing a degree in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics may apply for a tuition scholarship whose funds come from an endowed account made possible by the Women’s Giving Circle.
The Women’s Giving Circle proudly announces the recipients of $1,000 WiSE Tuition Scholarships for 2022-2023
Ember Bower
Ember Bower is working towards her master’s degree in Dr. Sarah Fritts’ lab as the primary researcher for a bat acoustic monitoring project in conjunction with the North American Bat Monitoring Program and Texas Parks and Wildlife. She works closely with biologists and landowners collecting and analyzing data from over 90 monitors running year-round.
In addition to her work with bats, Ember has experience in the field with studies of birds and deer as well as habitat restoration. She has taught the lab for Vertebrate Natural History, and is a member of the Wildlife Society and BATS Club.
“I'm very passionate about biology, and I have proven through my field work and outreach involvement that I have the skills to bring landowners, the public, and interest groups together in the goal of responsible stewardship of our planet. I want to inspire the next generation of men and women to learn how to use STEM skills to protect, enjoy, and responsibly use our home: planet earth. “
When she completes her degree, Ember plans to work for a public agency conducting field biology research and guiding conservation policy.
Mariah Gutierrez
Mariah Gutierrez is pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and marketing. A member of the Honor’s College, she has consistently been on the Dean’s list. According to Tania Betancourt, Mariah’s research advisor, “her research project focuses on the development of protocols for the surface functionalization of polymeric (PEDOT) nanoparticles for a range of applications including for controlled incorporation of these materials into hydrogel systems that we’re developing, as well as for the application of these nanoparticles in targeted delivery for cancer treatment.” Mariah is a Terry Scholar and volunteers her time in Bobcat Build, Food Drives, and as an Income Tax Assistant, among many more.
“I am passionate about launching a STEM research program in South Texas to advance Latinas’ presence in our field while offering support and opportunities for women to discover unexplored passions in science and engineering."
After graduating, Mariah is aspiring towards international marketing in conjunction with science, such as pharmaceutical medicine or research laboratory equipment.
Melissa Wolter
Melissa Wolter’s thesis title is “Abiotic habitat associations of the endangered Fountain Darter (Etheostoma fonticola)”. She is a master’s student in Dr. Tim Bonner’s lab. Much of her earlier work centered on mussel and fish communities. As active as she is in aquatic studies, her true interest lies in teaching this information. She has taught Zoology and Organismal Biology labs, been a Biology tutor, and is certified to teach Biology at the secondary level. Melissa is a member of many Texas State Biology groups including the Wildlife Society and Aquatic Biology Society and Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society in Education).
“I know I was born to both educate and advance aquatic research, for the time being at the secondary level and as my own children grow up, at the university level. Through this calling I’m confident that I can instill an inspiration in other young women to pursue their passions as well.”
Melissa plans to teach secondary school upon completion of her master’s degree.
Since 2010, the Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Initiative has awarded merit-based scholarships to Texas State University STEM majors who have an outstanding record of scholarship, STEM-related research involvement and activities, co-curricular achievement, and who demonstrate their commitment to a career in STEM. Students who are majors in STEM and STEM-related fields apply annually for these scholarships, and they are awarded during that year's WiSE Conference.
Meet our past WiSE scholarship awardees!
It is through the generous support of our donors and friends that we have been able to continue awarding WiSE scholarships every year. If you'd like to make a donation to our scholarship fund, please click here for details.
We need your help, and thank you for "thinking WiSE!"
Questions? Email us at wisescholarship@txstate.edu