NSF Noyce Scholars Begin as STEM Student Teachers
Five University of Scranton graduate students who were selected as National Science Foundation Noyce Scholars are student teaching this semester at four area school districts. The NSF Noyce Scholar program at Scranton is supported by a five-year grant awarded to Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry Scranton, which provides training and financial support to University secondary education majors in STEM fields who wish to teach at high schools in high-need school districts. From left are Dr. Dumancas and Scranton’s NSF Noyce Scholars Jacob Vituszynski, Matthew Byrnes, Nina Bowen, Makenzie Bell and Gracie Silva.Five National Science Foundation Noyce Scholars at The University of Scranton have begun as student teachers at four area high schools during the spring semester.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Noyce Scholarship Program addresses the critical need for recruiting, preparing and retaining elementary and secondary mathematics and science (STEM) teachers and teacher leaders in high-need school districts in Pennsylvania and other parts of the United States. The program at Scranton is supported through a five-year, $1.158 million NSF Noyce Scholars grant awarded to Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry. The program provides support to enrich the scholar’s STEM knowledge and to enhance their teaching training and proficiency.
“As educators, we are trying to train and build the workforce of the future, and their high school exposure to the sciences and math is a key element to their – and our – future,” said Dr. Dumancas, a widely published analytical chemist, who considers himself to be “a teacher first.”
“It takes a great deal of support to make a good science or mathematics teacher,” said Dr. Dumancas, who was the recipient of the University’s 2023 Provost Excellence Award for Integrating Diversity in Learning.
WVIA posted an audio story and news article about the scholarship program that “puts highly-trained science, math teachers” into classrooms that includes interviews with Dr. Dumancas and two of the Noyce scholars.
WVIA multimedia journalist Sarah Hofius Hall posted this photo of Noyce Scholar Makenzie Bell ’23, when she visited her teaching a biology class at Riverside Junior Senior High School.
Also quoted in the WVIA story is Noyce Scholar Jacob Vituszynski ’23, who said “the best part about teaching is when you see students work through something tough, but then they finally get that aha moment.”
The full WVIA story can be seen here.
The five scholars, all of whom have earned bachelor’s degrees in science and mathematics at The University of Scranton in 2023, received full-tuition awards, as well as academic and mentoring support, while pursuing their master’s degrees in secondary education at the University.
Makenzie Bell ’23, Nicholson, earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University. As an undergraduate, she held multiple leadership positions on the Commuter Student Association Board, including roles as president, communication chair and coordination chair. She is currently serving as a student teacher this semester at Riverside Junior/Senior High School.
Nina Bowen ’23, Carbondale, earned her bachelor’s degree in forensic chemistry from Scranton. As an undergraduate, she participated in valuable research experiences, and secured an internship at Saint Gobain Ceramics, broadening her understanding of quality assurance applications in chemistry. She is currently serving as a student teacher this semester at West Scranton High School.
Matthew Byrnes ’23, Milford, earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at the University. At Scranton, he served as a resident assistant for two years. He is currently serving as a student teacher this semester at Mid Valley Secondary Center.
Gracie Silva ’23, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, earned her bachelor’s degree in physiology from Scranton. As an undergraduate, she was a member of the Health Professions Organization and served as a student development officer and pandemic safety officer. She was also a medical scribe and medical assistant. She is currently serving as a student teacher this semester at Mid Valley Secondary Center.
Jacob Vituszynski ’23, Dickson City, earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics, magna cum laude, from Scranton. As an undergraduate, he was inducted into the Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society and was recognized on the Dean’s List for seven out of eight semesters. He is currently serving as a student teacher this semester at Valley View High School.
University students in their senior or junior year of studies, majoring or minoring in secondary education in the STEM field and meeting other academic and program requirements can apply to become a Noyce Scholar for the fall 2024 semester. Students selected to the program are required to teach in a high-need school district anywhere in the United States for two years for each year of their participation as a Noyce Scholar.
For additional information about the program, visit The University of Scranton NSF Noyce Scholarship Program webpage or contact Dr. Dumancas by email at gerard.dumancas@scranton.edu.
