Science Scholars Participants

Parkland Science Scholars will run Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026. Participants receive a scholarship totaling $5,749 over the length of the program. In addition, students benefit from program supports including community-building activities, a multi-layered mentoring program, and participation in summer undergraduate research.

Here is what our science scholars are saying.

Cohort 5 Fall 2025 - August 2026

We are fortunate to have remaining funds from our NSF grant and will be offering a one-year version of Parkland Science Scholars to Cohort 5.

Parkland Science Scholars Cohort 5 will run Fall 2025 with financial support of $2,450, Spring 2026 with financial support of $2,450, and Summer 2026 with financial support of $849 for a scholarship totaling $5,749 over the length of the program. In addition, students benefit from program supports including community-building activities, a multi-layered mentoring program, and participation in summer undergraduate research.

Apply here!

Cohort 4 Fall 2024 - Spring 2026

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Cohort 4 group photo

Cohort 3 Fall 2023 - Spring 2025

"I was a part of SURETox in the Nowak Reproductive Health and Toxicology Lab. My graduate student mentor taught me immunohistochemistry and hematoxilyn and eosin staining techniques to prepare colon tissues for quantification of proliferating cells and colon morphology.

We used a variety of devices and software programs to quantify the samples. I presented my work at two conferences at the end of the summer.

I hope this work encourages better practices and policies to reduce chemical exposure and foster safer alternatives for children and communities.

My research project was on the morphological and functional effects of Di 2 ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP —microplastic chemical) and Trolox (substrate of Vitamin E) exposure on the colon of adult female mice. This study illuminates how DEHP, a human made endocrine-disrupting chemical commonly found in everyday products like plastic food and drink containers, medical devices and personal care items, can have significant adverse effects on health. Endocrine disrupting chemicals like DEHP are known to accumulate in many organs of the endocrine system. Exposure occurs most often through oral ingestion but also through direct skin contact with products containing DEHP and inhalation of phthalate esters. Understanding these impacts is crucial for both our home and work environments, where such chemicals are prevalent."

— Andrea Boley

"I participated in a 4-weeklong certification course at UIUC (University of Illinois Urbana Champaign) where we learned how to completely and correctly manufacture a fully functioning silicon wafer. At the end of the internship, I received a certification for process engineering."

— Maz Duzan

"I worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers Robotic Engineering Team with writing documentation for optimizing radio communications for their autonomous systems. But I also got to do research on antenna theory, write scripts for acquiring GPS locations for radios, and troubleshoot their software-based network using a couple of monitoring tools. Overall, it was a really cool experience, and something I've probably never would have done in my career. I work in a tent too; it's true Army lifestyle."

— Jeffrey Lee

"I worked on real-time data visualization in Non-Invasive BCIs. I learned a lot from this experience, met new people, and gained presenting skills. I'm grateful to have been mentored by Dr. Liang Zhao."

— Sarah Lelo

"I did research at UIUC in the GEMS program. I worked in Dr. Yanerell’s lab and I did research on Fungal Leaf Endophytes. I compared Endophytes between an invasive plant species and native prairie plants to see how the invasive species potentially impacted the native prairie community’s microbial ecology."

— Ilyana (DeeDee) Martinez

"This summer I had the opportunity to take part in research at the Jie Chen lab. I was able to enhance my lab skills, learn more about what it means to work in research, and assisted me in becoming a better student. Not only did I learn so much, but I also met awesome people, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity. I would like to personally thank Jie Chen for allowing me to work in her lab as well as Allison Boss Kennedy for mentoring me and assisting me with both scientific and life skills."

— Sheila Navarette

"I had the privilege of conducting research in one of UIUC's Botany labs through the Bugs2School REU. My project aimed to enhance local farming practices in urban settings by addressing key challenges such as water stress and pest pressure. Specifically, I investigated how vermicompost could help alleviate these issues. We applied vermicompost to zucchini plants to assess its effectiveness in reducing stress related to water scarcity and pest infestations. I had fun learning and identifying different pests and beneficial insects around the gardens. "

— Adrian Zzimbe

Cohort 3 group photo

Cohort 2 Fall 2022 - Spring 2024

Ash Norvask next to their research poster.

"I have been enjoying my time in the laboratory. In this post I am cell culturing PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells. I will grow tumors from these cells in genetically modified lab mice. I will then analyze receptor occupancy of chemotherapeutic drugs using paired-agent imaging and X-ray Diffraction."

– Jasmine Williams

Kevin Rattin did research at UIUC in Dr. Hind’s lab

"The jar of agar i'm holding is for making agar media, where its poured into the solution containing jar, at the end of mixing. The solution contains Mili-Q water, sucrose, MS nutrients, MS salts, and antibiotics. The 1L jar is then autoclaved for 20 minutes, so when it is finished the agar media is ready to be plated.

We do this with various ingredients for various different media needs. Like tomato vs pumpkin. Or "liquid media" vs dry (gel)."

Noah Johnson and his research poster.

Cohort 1 Fall 2021-Spring 2023

"The Science Scholars program has prepared me for a career in the sciences by providing an environment to meet peers who are on a similar path as I am. Being able to have a like-minded group to be around and to get advice from has been extremely beneficial to my journey."

— Marshall Horton, nuclear energy

"I would absolutely encourage anyone interested to apply for P.S.S. [Parkland Science Scholars]! This program has made my conversion into the sciences so smooth and it’s very reassuring to know I have a scientific community to ask questions and share ideas with."

— Sarah Redman, horticulture

"Always, the most fun part is when you apply what you learn so my favorite part in the program was when I discovered the research world by working with scientists in the UIUC."

— Driss El Andlosy, computer science

"As an aspiring scientist, the Science Scholars program has prepared me for my future career by pairing me up with a supportive mentor, providing the opportunity to do summer research as an undergraduate, and setting us up for success by developing our professional, communication, and technical skills. It has also provided the opportunity to connect with others who are at different levels of STEM careers."

— Kelsey Koch, wildlife biology

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"My favorite part of the program so far has been making connections with the science community at Parkland."

— Sarah Porth

"I feel like the program helped me a lot. Because I first joined the program when I was a freshman and had no idea what should I do. While being a part of the program, I have more opportunities to reach and meet more people in the field. I think reading a science paper is a good skill that I have learned."

— Thi "Celina" Bui

"Do it!! You won’t regret it!! Parkland Science Scholars opens so many doors for opportunities that you normally wouldn’t get coming to Parkland every day!! You also meet amazing people in the class that are with you every step of the way!"

— Janae Sparks

Cohorts 1-4 benefits

Financial support of $2,450 each semester for 4 semesters, starting Fall 2025 a bonus cohort will receive $4,900 over 3 semesters

Participation in peer mentoring within the Parkland Science Scholars and with UIUC graduate students

Preparation for and participation in summer research opportunities (paid and unpaid opportunities are available)

Participation and leadership opportunities in Parkland student clubs

Enrollment in Science Scholars Seminar each semester for 4 semesters to learn how to navigate college, train to be a peer mentor, and prepare for careers in science and engineering

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Natural Sciences

Science Scholars Participants

Here is what our science scholars are saying.