Celebrating Excellence in STEM: The 2024 HHG STEM Scholarship Awards

August 8, 2024

On July 24, the Hispanic Heritage Group (HHG) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory hosted its annual STEM scholarship awards ceremony, honoring 16 exceptional high school seniors who are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This virtual event celebrated the achievements of these young scholars and highlighted the significant role that HHG plays in fostering educational opportunities and community engagement. Recipients will receive financial awards of $250, $500, $750, or $1,000.

HHG, established in 2001, is dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation of Hispanic culture at the Lab and recognizing the contributions of Hispanic people in science and operations. Over the years, the group has organized many cultural and fundraising events, particularly during Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. These activities not only strengthen community bonds but also support HHG's scholarship program.

The scholarship program, which began in 2007, has awarded approximately 100 scholarships to date. This year, the program saw a significant increase in applications, with 42 students applying and 16 scholarships awarded. Recipients were selected based on their academic achievements, community service, personal statements, and commitment to STEM and their Hispanic heritage.

The 2024 scholarship recipients are:

Scholarship recipients enlarge

  1. Brayan Rene Aguilar Mendez (Hampton Bays High School, Mercy University, veterinary science)
  2. Micah N.J.A Alicea (William Floyd High School, Stony Brook University, mathematics/electrical engineering)
  3. Jazmine Aliyah Alfaro (Central Islip High School, Florida Institute of Technology, aeronautical science – flight & aerospace engineering)
  4. Maria Barrera (Patchogue-Medford High School, Stony Brook University, computer science)
  5. Michael Canudas (Comsewogue High School, Yale University, computer science)
  6. Emilio Robert Cardillo-Schrader (Babylon High School, Stevens Institute of Technology, computer science and software engineering)
  7. Kariella Joanne Curtin (Babylon High School, Florida Institute of Technology, aerospace engineering)
  8. Elysena Milagros De Stefano (Commack High School, The George Washington University, biology – pre-med, Spanish studies)
  9. Carlos Diaz Sanchez (Wyandanch Memorial High School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, bioengineering)
  10. Brandon Figueredo (Wellington C. Mepham High School, New York University, biochemistry/biomedical engineering)
  11. Sofia Elvecia Haviland (Rocky Point High School, Boston University, chemistry)
  12. Ethan Christopher Morano (William Floyd High School, Stony Brook University, mechanical engineering)
  13. Angie Michelle Portillo Sosa (Roosevelt High School, Farmingdale State College, computer Science)
  14. Monica Idalia Reyes (Westbury High School, Farmingdale State College, nursing)
  15. Ashley Kristela Rivas (Roosevelt High School, Molloy University, nursing)
  16. Julian Michael Velasquez (Commack High School, Quinnipiac University, mechanical engineering)

These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also inspire and encourage young Hispanic students to pursue their dreams in STEM fields. HHG's efforts have a profound impact on the local community, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and excellence.

The success of the HHG STEM scholarship program is made possible through the generous support of donors, including Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA), the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Office at Brookhaven, the Long Island Section of the American Nuclear Society, and numerous individual contributors.

Donors

  • BSA
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office
  • Long Island Section of the American Nuclear Society
    • Edward Sierra, President
    • Deana Buckallew, Vice President
    • Steven Moss, Treasurer
  • Raúl Acevedo-Esteves, National Synchrotron Light Source II
  • Lindsey Brooks, Environmental Protection Division
  • Carol Clontz, Strategic Partnership Programs Office
  • Alex Harris, Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate
  • Hong Ma, Physics Department
  • Marlene Mirabile, Planning, Performance & Quality Management Office
  • Dirul Nassar, Electron-Ion Collider
  • Jason Remien, Environmental Protection Division
  • Anonymous donors

Scholarship Committee

  • Raúl Acevedo-Esteves, National Synchrotron Light Source II
  • Mirtha Allain, Environmental and Climate Sciences
  • Carol Clontz, Strategic Partnership Programs Office
  • Dannerys Fuccillo, Human Resources
  • Salvador Gonzalez, Office of Educational Programs (former president)
  • Antonio Hammil, Business Services
  • Nancy Reyes Mastroianni, Human Resources
  • Jessica Paucar, Planning, Performance & Quality Management Program
  • Jason Remien, Environmental Protection Division (champion)
  • Jacqueline Rivera, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office
  • Kassandra Santiago, Biology Department (vice president and scholarship committee chair)
  • Samuel Velasquez, Radiological Control Division

HHG Executive Board

  • Racquel Lovelace, staff mechanical engineer, Electron-Ion Collider, HHG president
  • Kassandra Santiago, biology associate III, Biology Department, HHG vice president
  • Yanice (Yani) Kirkendall, contracts specialist III, Procurement & Property Management Division, HHG secretary
  • Cristian Mendoza, senior designer, Collider Accelerator Department, HHG treasurer

Learn more about the HHG.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit science.energy.gov. 

Follow @BrookhavenLab on social media. Find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. 

2024-22032  |  INT/EXT  |  Newsroom