Renee Sandoval, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, was named the recipient of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hollings Scholarship, according to a May 1 announcement. This marks the first time a UW-Eau Claire student has received this national award.
The Hollings Scholarship program supports undergraduate students interested in environmental science with up to $9,500 per year for two years and includes a paid summer internship at a NOAA facility. The program aims to encourage students like Sandoval who want to make sustainable environmental impacts through scientific research.
“This program stood out to me as one that promotes exactly what I want to do with my life,” Sandoval said. “I want to make sustainable environmental impact through work for an agency like NOAA that makes real, tangible change.” Dr. Heather Fielding, director of the Mark Stephen Cosby Honors College where Sandoval learned about this opportunity, said: “This award is particularly exciting because not only does it provide a substantial scholarship, but it also includes a 10-week, full-time, paid internship. The internship will give Renee a unique opportunity to engage with her field at the highest level and to meet and work with professionals at NOAA.”
Sandoval has participated in multiple research projects during her time at UW-Eau Claire. She presented her biochemistry research on reducing methane gas emissions from young cows’ diets at several events including Earth Fest and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. “I’ve been studying the microbiome data from young cows just beginning to graze, seeing what factors might reduce the methane gas impact of their diet,” she said.
Dr. Bridget McGivern, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry and Sandoval’s mentor on this project, praised her initiative: “As a Blugold Fellow, Renee reached out to me in the first few weeks of her freshman year about doing research… It was clear that she was deeply interested in environmental research.”
Sandoval credited UW-Eau Claire for providing opportunities early in her academic career: “I just love science. I love the whole research process… UW-Eau Claire is a true gem of a school.” The university is known for its support of programs such as its prominent Blugold Marching Band according to its official website. It also contributes significantly to Wisconsin’s culture and economy through collaborations according to its official website.
The campus features facilities such as a Science and Health Sciences Building shared with Mayo Clinic Health System according to its official website, reflecting partnerships aimed at advancing health sciences initiatives according to its official website. The university has received national recognition for quality education practices focused on affordability and sustainability according to its official website.
UW-Eau Claire emphasizes critical-thinking skills while preparing students for careers and community engagement according to its official website. As Sandoval prepares for her upcoming internship with NOAA mentors across various locations nationwide, she expressed enthusiasm about contributing further scientific knowledge.
