The College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) at Missouri State University offers extra support to students experiencing financial hardship.  

The help comes through various forms, such as the Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) and Missouri Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MoLSAMP).  

On March 4, S-STEM and MoLSAMP had a combined meeting. The groups came together to build community and learn job searching techniques courtesy of the Missouri State Career Center. 

S-STEM

In spring 2023, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $1.5 million grant to Missouri State for the S-STEM project. Through this project, the university gives scholarships to its STEM undergraduates who have unmet financial needs.   

The program will be completed after six years, ending in spring 2029. Dr. Ajay Katangur, department head and distinguished professor of computer science, has been the project’s principal investigator since its beginning.  

Each year, Missouri State selects a new cohort of freshmen, and each student gets an average annual scholarship of $9,000 through graduation if requirements are met. The two main ones are:  

• Meet the unmet financial need every year
• Maintain an overall GPA of 2.85/4.0 or higher 

Participating STEM departments include biology, chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, astronomy and material sciences and engineering. 

For Cami Carpenter, a junior biology major, her time in S-STEM has led to many networking opportunities.  

“The largest way this scholarship has affected my experience here at MSU is through the connections I’ve made, both with the other scholars and our advisors,” she said. “Through Dr. Jorge Rebaza-Vasquez (interim dean) and my academic advisor, Sophia, I was able to become a CNAS student ambassador.” 

Computer science major Ginnie Steck encourages new students to apply to the program. 

“I’d tell students thinking of applying to go for it,” she said. “This program has given me friendships, community, important connections and the opportunity to attend national conferences. It’ll help immensely now, but also in the future.” 

MoLSAMP

MoLSAMP began in spring 2019 to transform undergraduate STEM education through innovative, evidence-based recruitment and retention strategies, and relevant educational experiences.  

The NSF-funded program began with the goal of supporting racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in STEM disciplines. 

The current phase of the program focuses on the MoLSAMP Scholars Cohort, a group of students who receive paid stipends, faculty mentoring, internship opportunities and networking with other STEM students. 

Dr. Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi, associate professor of cooperative engineering, serves as MSU site director for the program. She enjoys the opportunity to assist students in reaching their goals. 

“This program is personally important to me because I love the opportunity to mentor and engage with students,” she said. “It’s a two-way street. The students challenge me, and I enjoy watching their professional, leadership and academic progress as they grow in the program.” 

MoLSAMP research scholars must spend 10 hours a week conducting research in the fall or spring terms. Students can also participate in MoLSAMP Scholars Cohort, without being involved in independent research projects.  

To be chosen for MoLSAMP, students must be:  

1. A U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a member of one of these underrepresented groups:

• American Indian 
• Alaska Natives 
• African American 
• Hispanic/Latino 
• Native Hawaiian 
• Other Pacific Islander (Guam, Samoa and Papua New Guinea) 
• Multi racial comprising one of these categories

2. Majoring in a STEM field (such as biology, physics, astronomy and material science, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, engineering and geology and geography)

3. Have a GPA of at least 3.0 

Brynn Kayhill is a junior wildlife and fisheries biology major. Her experience in MoLSAMP has shaped her passions and future goals.  

“This program helped me identify my interests and specialization in stream ecology,” she said. “It has influenced the classes I take, the conferences I attend and the confidence in my ability to perform, as well as inspired me to pursue graduate school.” 

If you are a student who qualifies for MoLSAMP, send an email to lsamp@missouristate.edu to apply. Reach out to Obafemi-Ajayi for more information. 

Learn more about S-STEM