HENDERSON, Nev. – Nevada State University (Nevada State) was awarded a second National Science Foundation (NSF) S-STEM project grant for nearly $2 million. This funding will continue the Mentoring to Accelerate Retention and Change Outcomes in Science (MARCOS) Scholar Program, which awards up to $15,000 annually for students majoring in Biology, non-clinical Psychology, Environmental Sciences, and Chemistry at Nevada State. MARCOS Scholars receive dedicated faculty mentorship, professional development opportunities, and support to engage in paid research, internships, and conference travel.
“We’re deeply grateful for this continued partnership with the National Science Foundation to expand access and opportunity in STEM for our student body,” said Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, Acting President at Nevada State University. “We are so proud and thankful for our amazing faculty and their commitment to our students,” she added. “This grant is crucial to continue building a robust pipeline of skilled STEM professionals and we look forward to continuing efforts to cultivate the next generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders who will shape Nevada’s future.”
The MARCOS Scholar Program is led by Principal Investigator and Program Director, Dr. Samantha Jewell. Co-Principal Investigators include Dr. Laura Naumann, Dr. Erin Rider, Dr. Kayla Bieser, Dr. El Hachemi Bouali, and Dr. Lance Hellman serving as senior personnel. This interdisciplinary team of STEM faculty members will provide MARCOS Scholars with mentorship, holistic advising, and support throughout their scholastic career at Nevada State. Dr. Wendi Benson, an Industrial and Organizational Psychologist at Marshall University, will continue her role as External Evaluator in this new S-STEM award.
“MARCOS Scholars will benefit from strong mentorship, hands-on research, and clear pathways into STEM careers,” said Dr. Jewell. “This program not only transforms lives but also helps build Nevada’s future workforce.”
Ceonie Washington was one of the first MARCOS Scholars served by the program, and after graduating from Nevada State in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, she entered a Master of Science Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNLV.
“I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without the MARCOS program. It provided me with structure, a clear pathway, and the encouragement to explore every opportunity that came my way. The experiences and support I gained through this program shaped not only my academic and professional journey, but also the person I’ve become,” said Ceonie. Washington graduated with her M.S. in Engineering in fall 2024 and now works for an engineering consulting firm in the valley.
Since its launch in 2018, the MARCOS Scholar Program has supported high-achieving, low-income students who are Pell-eligible with a 3.0 GPA or higher. More than 90% of program graduates completed intensive research experiences; 40% applied for and were awarded up to $7,500 in Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program grants.
Current and prospective Nevada State students can learn more and apply to the MARCOS Scholar Program for fall 2026. To be eligible, students must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident, Pell-eligible, and have a high school or college GPA of 3.0 or higher. To maintain eligibility, students must take at least 12 credits per semester, enroll in designated classes that fulfill their degree requirements until graduation.
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About Nevada State University
Nevada State University (Nevada State), an independently accredited public institution, is a member of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). Nevada State is located on a developing 500-acre campus in the foothills of Henderson, Nevada. Nevada State emphasizes high-quality instruction, exemplary service, engaging learning experiences, and innovation in support of Nevada’s growing workforce needs. Nevada State offers more than 65 majors and minors, as well as select graduate programs, and continues to expand its physical campus and reach across the state. Committed to fostering a personal learning environment, students are taught by faculty who serve as mentors and guides in classrooms with an average class size under 25 students. Nevada State serves more than 8,400 students and has over 9,500 alumni. For more information, visit https://nevadastate.edu.
