Naina Srivastava, recipient of a 2024 National Merit $2500 Scholarship, is studying astrophysics along with a minor in public policy at Columbia University. "I chose these specific fields of study because I hope to pursue a career in space policy," shares Naina. 

Recently, 1987 Boston Edison Company Merit Scholarship recipient Donald (Don) J. Greene joined National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) to discuss how his unique academic journey led to his career as a National Donor-advised Fund Executive at Bank of America Private Bank. Don also shares the significant impact that charitable giving in the United States has on education and the promotion of the country’s brightest minds.

"Although my plans may change, I hope to pursue the fields of both computer science and neuroscience. I chose this field of study because of my experience as a programmer on my FTC Robotics team and the research I did regarding computer vision for my IB Diploma," shares 2024 National Merit $2500 Scholarship winner Fiona Y. Wang. 

Minh Allan Dao, recipient of a 2020 James E. Casey Scholarship sponsored by The UPS Foundation, earned a bachelor of science degree in computer science from the University of Washington. Through the Lavin Entrepreneurship Program, Allan interned for four companies: Steelcase Inc., Wells Fargo, Wayfair LLC, and Westbold LLC. Allan shares, "It was highly valuable to see applied technologies in the market, effectively how founders find traction for what they build."

Recently, NMSC had the opportunity to interview Dr. Alisa J. Stephens Shields about her educational journey, from high school to earning a PhD, to a career in biostatistics. Alisa won a 2002 National Achievement $2500 Scholarship award and attended the University of Maryland, College Park. NMSC extends its genuine gratitude to Dr. Stephens Shields for taking the time to speak with us.

"Math has always been my favorite subject, but I wasn’t sure that I wanted to use it every day on the job until I had taken my first calculus course," shares Matthew H. Bidwell, recipient of a 2023 National Merit University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship. In pursuing this everyday application of mathematics, Matthew is studying actuarial science. "It wasn’t until I started doing research about possible jobs for mathematics majors that I discovered actuarial science," says Matthew.

Hannah Rochester, recipient of a 2024 Truist Scholarship, is attending Vassar College to pursue a degree in anthropology as well as a minor in sociology. "I chose this field of study because I am interested in human culture and how the world has gotten to the place that it is at because of the way humans have interacted with each other," Hannah explains. "Learning about the history of our culture as humans allows us to develop stronger ties to each other and create a sense of community."

"A part of the field of electrical engineering includes the search for the creation and distribution of clean energy," states 2024 National Merit University of Alabama winner Andrew A. Griswold. "Recently, scientists gained a net positive amount of energy for a fraction of a second during a nuclear fusion experiment. This experiment is very exciting and is another step towards the goal of waste-free energy creation." In order to help develop crucial breakthroughs like this, Andrew is studying electrical engineering.

"The most exciting thing to me about chemical engineering is all the possible fields it can be used in," shares McKenna F. Clinch, who received of a 2020 Brady Corporation Scholarship. "Once I finish my PhD studies, I could work in the pharmaceutical industry, creating new formulas and delivery systems for different diseases. I could work in the oil and gas industry, focusing on how to make the process more sustainable. I could work in the water treatment industry, ensuring clean water is available to all. The possibilities are endless as a chemical engineer, and this is what excites me the most."