S-STEM Scholars on the National Stage

Seven Norwich University S-STEM Scholars, along with project leaders Dr. Darlene Olsen and Dr. Mike Gangone, traveled to Washington, D.C., Oct. 9-11 to attend the 2026 S-STEM Scholars & PI Meeting. The scholars’ travel was funded by the AAAS following their nomination by Olsen.

Hosted by the AAAS S-STEM Resource & Evaluation Center (S-STEM REC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF), the annual meeting brought together academically talented STEM students and project leaders from across the country. The conference offered Norwich scholars opportunities to network with peers, explore career and graduate education pathways, and connect with professionals working in their fields of interest.

For the scholars, the meeting provided an opportunity to build connections with others who share their academic interests and aspirations. As Norwich scholar Corbin Burleigh '29 reflects, “The conference gave me the opportunity to connect with people who share my interests in a specialized area of STEM that I hope to pursue. Meeting others who are working toward similar goals helped me see the possibilities for my future.”

Norwich students also contributed to the conference’s research community. Sierra Gianini '28 presented a poster titled “Establishing a Naturalistic Vertebrate Framework for Behavioral Neurogenetics,” highlighting her summer research with Dr. Simon Pearish. Her work was supported by the Vermont Biomedical Research Network (VBRN) through funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Olsen also presented her work, “Engaging S-STEM Scholars Early: Building STEM Identity and Undergraduate Research Engagement Through a Summer Orientation,” sharing Norwich’s approach to helping students build a sense of belonging in STEM and connect with undergraduate research early in their college careers funded through the S-STEM award #2424596 (Supporting a Seamless Transition from High School through College to Boost Participation in the STEM Workforce).

Beyond the conference sessions, the group had time to explore Washington, including sightseeing along the National Mall and visiting some of the nation’s most recognizable monuments and landmarks.

The conference reinforced the value of combining scholarship support with research experiences, professional networking, and a strong STEM community. For Norwich’s S-STEM Scholars, the meeting provided a chance to share their work, learn from others, and develop connections that can help shape their future in STEM.

Click the links for more information about the S-STEM scholarships in science & math or Engineering at Norwich University.