About NSF GRFP

The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) helps ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science and engineering in the United States and reinforces its diversity. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions. 

As the oldest graduate fellowship of its kind, the GRFP has a long history of selecting recipients who achieve high levels of success in their future academic and professional careers. The reputation of the GRFP follows recipients often helps them become life-long leaders that contribute significantly to both scientific innovation and teaching. Past fellows include numerous Nobel Prize winners, U.S. Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, Google founder, Sergey Brin and Freakonomics co-author, Steven Levitt.

Fellows share in the prestige and opportunities that become available when they are selected. Fellows benefit from a three-year annual stipend of $34,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees (paid to the institution), opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct their own research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education they choose.

NSF Fellows are anticipated to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. These individuals are crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation's technological infrastructure and national security as well as contributing to the economic well-being of society at large.

The following Drexel graduate students have been recognized by the National Science Foundation as outstanding graduate students and researchers with significant potential.

Drexel's NSF GRFP Fellows 2024

Vivian Keyu Tian
Master's Program in Digital Media
Westphal College of Media Arts and Design

Drexel's NSF GRFP Fellows 2023

Shanna Samels
PhD Program in Neuroscience
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies

Drexel's NSF GRFP Fellows 2022

Alison Bashford
PhD Program in Neuroscience
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies

George Schafer
PhD Program in Education
School of Education

Nicholas Sica
PhD Program in Electrical Engineering
College of Engineering

Drexel's NSF GRFP Fellows 2021

Elizabeth Espinal
PhD Program in Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences

Maxwell Winter Franklin
PhD Program in Physics
College of Arts and Sciences

Angela Mastrianni
PhD Program in Information Science
College of Computing and Informatics

Joel Pepper
PhD Program in Computer Science
College of Computing and Informatics

Tana Siboonruang
PhD Program in Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering

Drexel's NSF GRFP Fellows 2020

Sarah Malik
PhD Program in Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering

Drexel's NSF GRFP Fellows 2019

Christian Cabuslay
PhD Program in Biological Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences

Kelsey Csumitta
PhD Program in Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences

Darryl Hannan
PhD Program in Computer Science
College of Computing and Informatics

Matthew Shirley
PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems

Drexel's NSF GRFP Fellows 2018

David Goodman
PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems

Sophia (Sophie) Lee
PhD Program in Chemical Engineering
College of Engineering

Drexel's NSF GRFP Fellows 2017

Deborah Kapilow
PhD Program in Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering

Ariana Levitt
PhD Program in Materials Science and Engineering
College of Engineering

Nathaniel Shoobs
PhD Program in Environmental Science
College of Arts and Sciences

Drexel's NSF GRFP Fellows 2016

Sarah Gleeson
PhD Program in Materials Science and Engineering
College of Engineering

David Hartman
PhD Program in Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering

Jessica Weaver
PhD Program in Materials Science and Engineering
College of Engineering

NSF Graduate Research Opportunities Worldwide

The National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Opportunities Worldwide (GROW) expands upon opportunities for U.S. graduate students to engage in international research collaboration. GROW is open to only active awardees of the NSF GRFP. GROW partners with many countries across the world. Please visit the NSF GROW website for more information and important deadlines. 

NSF Graduate Research Internship Program

The National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP) expands opportunities for NSF GRFPs to expand their professional development by engaging in mission related research experiences with partner agencies across the federal government. Research opportunities are available through partner agencies. Please visit the NSF GRIP website for more information and application details. 

More Information 

Please visit the NSF GRFP website for more information including important dates, deadlines and requirements. Please contact Undergraduate Research and Enrichment Programs (UREP) for individualized support and guidance in applying for prestigious fellowships such as the NSF GRFP.