Kohawk receives National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Nathan Dvorak ’19
Nathan Dvorak ’19, a Coe College physics and mathematics major, recently received a Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Dvorak joins alumni Emily Roberts ’16 and Dahlia Baker ’18 as the third Coe graduate in the past four years to yield this prestigious fellowship.
The oldest graduate fellowship of its kind, the GRFP recognizes outstanding graduate students in NSF supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.
“I now have the opportunity to become a Ph.D. student at a Top 10 graduate school in my field,” Dvorak said. “I was accepted into the electrical engineering Ph.D. program at University of Michigan.”
As a GRFP fellow, Dvorak will receive a three-year annual stipend of $34,000 and a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance along with opportunities for international research and professional development.
“At Coe, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in research, internships, Division III sports, Greek life and multiple clubs,” Dvorak said. “Being such a well-rounded student helped me earn this fellowship.”
Following Dvorak’s sophomore year at Coe, he attended SRI International’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates program in Menlo Park, California. After his junior year, Dvorak completed an internship with Firefly Photonics in Iowa City, Iowa. He also spent a summer performing material science research with Coe professor Dr. Mario Affatigato.
"The NSF GRFP is a very prestigious research fellowship that is mostly given to graduate students. Still, it is not surprising that Nathan was awarded this fellowship,” Coe Associate Professor of Physics Ugur Akgun said. “He is not only a good student, but he is also a well-established researcher, who did research throughout his time at Coe. I am sure he will make us proud in years to come."
“Coe helped make this happen for me. I received support from my physics and mathematics professors throughout the application process,” Dvorak said. “Dahlia Baker, a recent recipient of the fellowship, even offered advice on my research proposal.”
This year, the NSF awarded 2,050 fellowships throughout the country. Since 1952, NSF has funded over 50,000 Graduate Research Fellowships out of more than 500,000 applicants.
Coe College offers superb academics and exciting co-curricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. Coe’s vibrant Cedar Rapids location provides an abundance of internships for students and career opportunities for graduates.