UMaine Scholar Award Recipients Recognized
Contact: Kay Hyatt at (207) 581-2761
ORONO, Maine — Twelve University of Maine students preparing to be science and mathematics teachers in grades 6-12 have each received $3,500 awards as 2003-04 Robert Noyce Scholars. The scholarships were awarded through the Maine Mathematics and Science Teaching Excellence Collaborative (MMSTEC), a National Science Foundation-funded program to address the shortage of math and science teachers at the secondary school level.
The Robert Noyce Scholarship Program, named for a pioneer of semiconductor development and founder of the semiconductor industry, funds scholarships and stipends to encourage talented mathematics, science or engineering students and professionals to pursue careers in teaching.
Heather R. Kent of Westbrook, the only undergraduate receiving the award, is pursuing a double major in geological sciences and secondary sciences education with a concentration in earth science.
Award recipients pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching degree with a concentration in secondary science are: Kristi E. Carver, Beal’s Island; Michelle L. Gates, Orrington; Rhonda M. Houston, Brewer; and Joanna D. Lisker, Orono
Award recipients pursuing the Master of Education in Secondary Science Education degree are: Jean M. Barry, Bangor; Christine L. Bertolaccini, Winslow; Teresa H. Dennison, Stockton Springs; Lynn M.J. Estabrooke, Stetson; Kelley P. Greene, Bangor; Jessica W. Henson, Orono; and Katie M. Thompson, Lisbon.
MMSTEC is collaboration between math and science educators at UMaine, the University of Southern Maine, the University of Maine at Farmington, and the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance. In addition to the original and principal entities in the $4 million, five-year NSF grant, the project now involves participation from University of Maine System campuses in Machias, Fort Kent, Presque Isle and Augusta. From its inception in 2000 through its termination in 2005, the MMSTEC project will have awarded $1 million in scholarship funds for future math and science teachers at participating institutions.
This year’s recipients of scholarships from all campuses were recognized at the recent MMSTEC mid-year conference in Augusta.