OHSU students stand out

Houser and Lehmann are among 2,050 awardees selected from more than 12,000 applicants; Lowenstein is among 1,540 honorable mentions. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based masters and doctoral degrees in STEM or STEM education.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and supports individuals early in their graduate training in science, technology, education or mathematics fields. The purpose of the GRFP is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the U.S.

The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, veterans, and undergraduate seniors to apply.

Lehmann studying immune cells in the brain

Lehmann is researching what signals neurons and glia – immune cells in the brain – use for communication and how those signals are regulated in developing and diseased nervous systems.

“Having this sort of support means that the lab I join will be able to put more resources toward answering exciting questions,” said Lehmann. “I’ll have the opportunity to apply for extra funding to pursue international collaborations. I’m also excited that this opportunity will let me leverage some of the broader impact ideas I proposed, like paying undergraduate researchers and continuing to work on diversity and inclusion in science.”

Each Fellowship consists of three years of support during a five-year fellowship period. Currently, NSF provides a stipend of $34,000 to the fellow and a cost-of-education allowance of $12,000 to the graduate degree-granting institution.

• See the list of awardees and honorable mentions
• Program information page
• Program application guidelines