Grace Anderson
Grace Anderson's chemistry research awards her a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship - making her one of the two first Goldwater recipients at FGCU. Grace is an Honors College student majoring in Chemistry and Music. Grace is also involved in the registered student organization, Project Narrative.
Grace Anderson is an FGCU grad, class of '22. Grace is entering a Ph.D. program at MIT.
How did your mentor encourage and foster your research and academic trajectory?
Dr. Mirjafari has been my biggest inspiration to pursue a career in chemistry research. Through his mentorship, I have been able to take part in many amazing opportunities and have achieved more than I had thought possible. Working with Dr. Mirjafari has fundamentally changed my outlook on my passion for science and future career for the better. Through my research with him, I have reached heights I thought unimaginable as an undergrad, from publishing multiple papers to getting nationally recognized awards and grants. He always pushes me to reach higher, do more, and always be curious and I will be forever grateful for my time with him!
Below Grace Anderson (left) with her mentors Dr. Mirjafari (right) in the chemistry lab
What does the OCF mean to you?
The Office of Competitive Fellowships has been an amazing community and resource that has supported me in applying for these many fellowships and scholarships. In the process of working with the OCF, I have learned how to write about myself and my career goals, as well as clearly define my aspirations and achievements. The OCF is such a unique place that brings together the rigorous work of applying for competitive awards with the emotionally fulfilling task of self-discovery. Through my time here, I have discovered and nurtured my passions for science and music. I’ve even found ways to bring them together in wholly unique ways. Not only that, the OCF and Dr. Terumi especially have been instrumental in many of the achievements I am most proud of. Finally, the OCF has been a place for me to find a group of friends – a family even – of amazingly talented and hard-working peers that I will cherish throughout my life.
What is the Goldwater Scholarship?
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious national scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics in the United States, seeks to identify and support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming this Nation’s next generation of research leaders in these fields.
What is the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program?
"The NSF GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions. The five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support"
