Science Scholars Participants

Parkland Science Scholars participants start the program in the Fall semester and continue in the program for two years. Participants receive a scholarship of $2450/semester for a total award of $9800 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 1

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"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




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"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




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"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





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"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

Cohort 2

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Ash Norvask next to their research poster.





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"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







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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)."






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Noah Johnson and his research poster.



Cohort 3

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Cohort 3 group photo

Cohort 4

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Cohort 4 group photo

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

Parkland Science Scholars Cohort 5 participants start the program in the Fall semester of 2025 and continue in the program through the Summer semester of 2026. Participants receive a scholarship of $2450 in the Fall of 2025, $1838 in the Spring of 2026, and $612 in the Summer of 2026 for a total award of $4900 over the length of the one-year 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!