National Science Foundation Noyce Scholars Selected

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Noyce Scholarship Program addresses the critical need for recruiting, preparing, and retaining highly effective elementary and secondary mathematics and science teachers and teacher leaders in high-need school districts. In its second year at The University of Scranton, the program includes five exemplary scholars chosen to receive full-tuition awards while pursuing their M.S. in secondary education at the University.

A full-support system is provided to these scholars to enrich their STEM knowledge and enhance their teaching knowledge and skills. The program is deigned to all scholars to gain knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to support student learners of science and mathematics in high-need secondary schools in Pennsylvania or other locations within the United States.

The inaugural cohort of the Noyce Scholars for Academic Year 2023-2024 includes:

Makenzie Bell

Makenzie Bell '23, of Lenoxville, Pennsylvania graduated from The University of Scranton with a B.S. in biology. She held multiple leadership positions on the Commuter Student Association (CSA) Board over the years, such President, Communication Chair and Coordination Chair.

“Being able to teach students is a reward that will last for my lifetime. My goal for becoming a teacher is to inspire and help students follow their dreams and turn them into reality. I love biology and I am eager to share this passion to my future students. I am interested in teaching in a high-need school district because it would be gratifying to help these children despite their home or school circumstances.”

Nina Bowen

Nina Bowen is an enthusiastic educator from the Scranton area who participated in valuable research experiences, and secured an internship at Saint Gobain Ceramics, broadening her understanding of quality assurance applications in chemistry.

“Becoming a Noyce Scholar and teacher is a significant aspiration for me. The Noyce Scholars program presents an exceptional opportunity to enhance my teaching skills, deepen my knowledge in STEM fields, and actively engage with diverse communities. I am inspired by the program's commitment to providing high-quality education to high school students in high-need school districts, fostering equality, and upholding professional standards. Coming from a high-need school district myself, I recognize the importance of accessible and quality education. Teaching is a noble profession that I believe has the power to transform lives, and I am grateful for the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners as a Noyce Scholar. I am excited to embark on this journey and contribute to the development of future generations through education.”

Matthew Byrnes

Matthew Byrnes '23 of Milford, Pennsylvania majored in Biology at the University of Scranton and graduated with Dean’s list recognition. At Scranton, he served as a resident assistant for two years. Byrnes chose to become a Noyce scholar, and eventually teach, because it would allow him to utilize the knowledge he acquired over his four years to hopefully inspire students to have an interest in the material, as well.

“I feel I have had multiple teachers who helped me with struggles during various points in my life. I would like to provide the same level of support to future students. Students in high-need school districts come from multitude of different backgrounds and may not all have the same aptitude or excitement for completing schoolwork. I wish to be able to serve these students by allowing them to not only understand biology but also enjoy the subject as well.”

Gracie Silva

Gracie Silva '23, of Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey earned her B.S. in Physiology at The University of Scranton. Silva chose to become a Noyce Scholar because she thought it was a great opportunity to be able to earn an M.S. in Secondary Education where she also studied during her undergraduate years.

“I want to become a teacher because I would like to educate future generations in STEM and encourage them to have bright futures, like how my prior educators did for me. I aspire to become the role model for future generations, just as my educators were to me. I am particularly interested in teaching in a high-needs school district because those students should not have to have any less of an education. I would like to encourage students to pursue higher education and want to make a successful career for themselves like I am building for myself.”

Jacob Vituszynski

Jacob Vituszynski '23, of Dickson City, Pennsylvania graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics, magna cum laude, from The University of Scranton. He was inducted into the Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society in Spring 2022 and recognized on the Dean’s List at Scranton for seven out of eight semesters.

“My anticipation with the Noyce Program is that I will gain experience working with students and learn various methods on how to best assist them. Teaching in a high-need school district interests me as an opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives.”

Participation in the Noyce Scholars Program is open to all students who are pursuing a double major in STEM field and secondary education. It is also available to post-baccalaureate candidates who have a degree in a STEM field and intend to pursue an 11-month M.S. in Secondary Education at The University of Scranton. Interested applicants may visit this website for more information: https://www.scranton.edu/academics/cas/noyce/noyce-scholarship.shtml