The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation Awards Quinnipiac University $25,000 Grant for STEM Scholars Program

Quinnipiac University has received a $25,000 grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation to continue and expand the STEM Scholars Program in the School of Computing & Engineering.

The grant was awarded to Mary Ho, professor of mechanical engineering and chair of mechanical and industrial engineering, Chetan Jaiswal, associate professor of computer science and associate chair of computing, and Kruti Shah, assistant professor of software engineering.

The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation supports programs that create pathways to STEM careers through hands on learning and research opportunities for students across the United States.

Building on the program's successful inaugural year, the renewed funding will support a new cohort of undergraduate STEM Scholars through structured faculty-mentored research experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Students will also participate in professional development seminars, cohort meetings, industry engagement opportunities and a research showcase where they present their work to faculty, peers and invited guests.

The STEM Scholars Program is designed to help students strengthen their technical expertise, research skills, communication abilities and confidence while preparing them for internships, graduate study and careers in STEM. It also expands access to undergraduate research opportunities for women, first generation college students and students from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM.

“This funding will allow more students to engage in meaningful undergraduate research experiences, helping them develop technical skills, confidence, and professional competencies,” Ho said. “The STEM Scholars Program invests in students who may not have the financial means to make space in their schedule for research involvement.”

The renewed support will allow the School of Computing & Engineering to build on the momentum of the program's first year while creating more opportunities for students to gain meaningful research experience.

"One of the most rewarding moments as an educator is watching students realize they can contribute to solving real world problems not someday but today," Shah said. "Through the STEM Scholars Program, we can provide mentorship, financial support and a collaborative research environment where students become active researchers tackling meaningful challenges."

Jaiswal said the grant will help remove barriers that often prevent students from participating in undergraduate research.

"The Bailey Foundation's support allows us to provide meaningful faculty mentorship and create pathways for students to gain hands on experience that connects classroom learning with real world impact," Jaiswal said. "This investment is helping build a stronger, more diverse and more innovative STEM workforce."