STEM Students

In Their Own Words STEM Students

In 2019, Wisconsin Lutheran College was awarded a $628,843 grant by the National Science Foundation to support scholarships for under-served students interested in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines. The grant provides scholarships for WLC students who enroll in fall 2019 or 2020 and are majoring in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or marine biology. The program offers students one-onone research opportunities with faculty and mentorship resources. The first recipients have completed a semester in the program, and two of them shared their experiences.

Bilal Salous ’23 Franklin, Wisconsin | Biology/Pre-Med

“I have always loved science - specifically the medical aspect - and have been motivated to maximize every opportunity granted to me.”

WHY WLC? I wanted to attend a college that would provide me with a sound curriculum to season my skills and make them more applicable to future research. I wanted a school that would help me thrive in my research by creating meaningful relationships to guide and advise me. WLC offers numerous programs that help students pursue their career goals; the unique opportunity I am pursuing is the dual-degree/early-acceptance agreement WLC has with LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine). All in all, I am happy with my decision.

HOW DID THE SCHOLARSHIP IMPACT YOUR FIRST SEMESTER? Through this program, we are enlightened on numerous current research topics, allowing us to acquire a solid foundation in this field. It is interesting to learn how concepts used in advanced research apply to our basic “principles of science” classes. The program offers valuable mentoring opportunities.

HOW WILL THIS PROGRAM HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS? The program has introduced me to numerous career options. Through my participation in research projects, I will be able to develop the skills essential for any STEM-based job.

Reidun Meier ’23 St. Joseph, Michigan | Biology/Pre-Med

“I just feel so blessed; choosing to attend WLC was a sound decision.”

WHY WLC? The college’s dual-degree partnership with LECOM was the biggest pull. I also like the outstanding science department, adjacent hospitals, and small campus size.

HOW DID THE SCHOLARSHIP IMPACT YOUR FIRST SEMESTER? The scholarship greatly minimized the amount I took out in loans. The first-semester requirements of the scholarship made me talk to a number of the science professors. They have all been friendly, and I feel they are genuinely interested in helping me.