Maryland Engineers Selected for NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Terps in the A. James Clark School of Engineering were selected for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)—a prestigious award that aims to provide financial support to outstanding students and ensure the quality of the scientific workforce in the United States.

The program, which awards outstanding individuals pursuing research-based graduate studies in STEM fields, boasts a cohort of more than 2,000 recipients this year. The award provides three years of financial support over a five-year fellowship period, offering a $37,000 stipend and $16,000 allowance to cover tuition costs at the institution the student is enrolled in.

Get to know the Maryland engineers who are recipients of the NSF graduate fellowship this year.

Riordan Correll-Brown ’24 is an alum of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering undergraduate program. While pursuing her studies at UMD, Correll conducted research on batteries in the Functional Macromolecular Laboratory.

Research Advisor: Peter Kofinas

Jack FitzGibbon ’24 is an alum of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering undergraduate program who plans to begin his doctoral studies in the same field this fall. He currently studies the mechanisms for charge storage in dielectric materials, as well as high-speed formation of Lichtenberg figures in electron beam irradiated acrylic. After pursuing his Ph.D., FitzGibbon wants to pursue a career in industry researching energy storage materials.

“I was surprised and excited to hear that I had won [the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program]. Professors Timothy Koeth and Gianna Valentino have my greatest appreciation for their advice in preparing my application,” said FitzGibbon.

He found his passion during the COVID-19 pandemic while he was still in high school, synthesizing exotic tetrazole derivatives. In 2021, he set up a space in his parents’ house to conduct his experiments, and later returned to it in the form of doing high energy physics research for Koeth’s group.

Research Advisor: Timothy Koeth

Alyssa Petersen Ph.D. ’28 is a doctoral student in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering who holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Pennsylvania State University. Inside the lab, she studies bio-based drug delivery systems, and is specifically interested in leveraging the vaginal microbiome as a therapeutic to target the female reproductive tract. Her experience in the pharmaceutical industry ignited her interest in engineering drugs and formulations—which led her to her current lab.

“I am honored that I was selected and glad to bring this honor to my lab and our department. I have to thank Dr. Hannah Zierden, my advisor, for providing me with countless opportunities to participate in publications, presentations, and exciting research. Her mentorship in my academic writing was no doubt a key part of this success,” said Petersen.

Research Advisor: Hannah Zierden

Published April 23, 2025