Two gifts boost Chancellor’s Science Scholars program

Keshav Patel ’19 is finishing an honors thesis in mathematics. Lauren Gullet ’20 spends many afternoons collecting and analyzing data in Carolina’s Institute of Trauma Recovery. Daniela Alfaro ’22 plans to learn more about the factors, both biological and social, that caused her mother’s diabetes.

Two generous contributions to the Chancellor’s Science Scholars program will enable more students like these to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

The Sherman Fairchild Foundation recently gave $10 million to the program, which is a part of the College. The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust pledged a $5 million grant, provided the University raises an additional $10 million in matching gifts by the end of 2023.

“These gifts greatly enhance our competitiveness to recruit some of the best STEM scholars in the nation to Carolina,” said Thomas Freeman, the program’s executive director. “We will be able to provide robust and dynamic programming to nurture their scholarly and entrepreneurial pursuits, toward our ultimate goal of shaping the next generation of leaders in science and technology.”

Designed to prepare students to pursue graduate degrees in STEM disciplines, the program offers merit-based scholarships, opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research, professional development, leadership training, mentorship and other programming.

“Thanks to the contributions from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation and Kenan Charitable Trust, we welcomed a cohort of 40 scholars in 2018,” Freeman added. “We are very grateful to be able to attract top students to Carolina.”