Undergraduate in STEM Scholarship - 2024 Finalists

We are honored to present the 2024 finalists for education.com’s Undergraduate in STEM Scholarship.

These 6 candidates stood out from thousands of applicants as outstanding students with passion, drive and global mindedness. They are presented in alphabetical order by surname below.

Andy Otarimoni 

Nigeria

Plans to study BSc Material Science and Engineering at the University of Technology Szczecin in Poland.

Andy aims to pursue higher education in Poland and apply his learnings in his home country, Nigeria, to improve material quality.

Andy’s background

Originally from Nigeria, Andy plans to study Material Science and Engineering at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland. Andy’s academic journey spans various branches of engineering. He hopes that his studies will equip him with knowledge about creating and applying high-quality materials in engineering fields. Andy is mainly motivated by the potential to use his skills to benefit Nigeria's growing manufacturing and construction industries.

How Andy chose his country of choice 

Andy chose Poland for its globally recognized education in science and engineering, affordable tuition, and cost of living. The inclusive environment and practical industry connections provide him the ideal foundation for a career in material science.

How Andy’s studies will shape his future

Andy's Bachelor's in STEM is a stepping stone toward advanced studies and future roles in local and international industries. This degree, along with the scholarship, not only strengthens his technical skills but also positions him to stand out in the job market and graduate programs, enabling him to drive meaningful change in engineering.

Emili Khachatryan

Armenia

Currently pursuing a BSc in Data and Business Analytics at IE University in Spain.

Driven by her experiences, Emili aims to use her knowledge to create a safe, ethical, and sustainable digital environment for everyone.

Emili's background

Emili Khachatryan, a data science student at IE University, is dedicated to using technology for social impact. From her early years in Armenia, her involvement in tech and advocacy has fueled her passion for innovation and digital inclusion. As co-president of IE’s Google Developer Student Club, she leads initiatives to upskill peers, champion women in STEM, and foster learning. She also represents Armenian youth in AI and digital policy discussions through the Council of Europe.

How Emili chose her country of btudy

Emili chose Spain for its quality education and rich cultural diversity. IE University's vital data and business analytics program aligned perfectly with her goals. Spain’s innovative, inclusive environment also offers Emili continuous learning opportunities from a diverse global community.

How Emili’s studies will shape her future

Emili's data science degree is a foundation for creating impactful solutions to real-world issues. She is primarily focused on applying AI to combat misinformation, a passion she pursues through her project "Smartinfo AI," which aims to counter fake news on social media. This degree hones her technical skills and fuels her commitment to advocating for safe digital spaces and well-informed communities. Looking ahead, Emili envisions leading tech education initiatives accessible to all generations, aiming to equip individuals with skills to meet global challenges in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. With her growing expertise and network, she aspires to launch a free program to build digital capacity for those with outdated skills, helping them re-enter the workforce and thrive in the digital economy.

Eve Baghiyan

Armenia

Currently pursuing a BSc in Engineering Technology at KU Leuven in Belgium.

Eve plans to take full advantage of the opportunities in her degree to push the boundaries of what's possible in robotics.

Eve’s background

Growing up in Armenia, Eve has always pushed boundaries in technology, combining her passions for engineering and art to create innovative solutions. Facing early skepticism in a male-dominated field, she became even more determined. She built skills through STEM programs like TUMO, where she developed robots and internships in machine learning and robotics. She founded a coding class to inspire kids, especially girls, to explore STEM, shaping her into a creative, resilient problem-solver dedicated to impactful engineering.

How Eve chose her country of study

Eve chose Belgium for its rich multicultural background and strong engineering industry. The diverse community offers her a global perspective. At the same time, the country's dynamic tech scene and proximity to engineering companies provide valuable opportunities for internships and industry experience—perfect for advancing her career in robotics.

How Eve’s studies will shape her future

Her education at KU Leuven will lay the foundation for Eve’s goal of launching a robotics company dedicated to improving lives. The rigorous curriculum and advanced facilities will equip her with essential skills to bring her ideas to life, including concepts like a health-aiding nanorobot. This degree begins her journey toward creating life-enhancing technologies and building a sustainable robotics startup focused on meaningful impact.

Ibrahim Lukman

Nigeria

Plans to pursue a Bachelor's in Russia, focusing on science and technology.

From Nigeria, Ibrahim hopes to grow his skills in industrial engineering and experience a new culture.

Ibrahim's background

Ibrahim, a high-achieving student from Nigeria, developed a passion for STEM as he witnessed the impact of energy scarcity and environmental degradation on local communities. His fascination with Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics inspired him to explore solutions to these challenges.

How Ibrahim chose his country of study

Drawn to Russia's robust education system and innovation-driven culture, Ibrahim aims to pursue his undergraduate studies there. He believes Russia’s achievements in science and technology will provide him with a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, aligning perfectly with his goal to contribute meaningfully to global STEM efforts.

How Ibrahim's studies will shape his future

With his degree, Ibrahim plans to focus on sustainable energy and environmental conservation, initially as a research assistant and eventually establishing his own research institute. This scholarship will allow him to access top-tier education and research in Russia, collaborate with global experts, and ultimately drive impactful change in sustainable development.

Sophie Nguyen

Vietnam

Is pursuing a BSc in Computer Science at Georgia State University in the USA.

Passionate about computer science, Sophie is determined to remove barriers to market entry through innovations that connect people across boundaries and situations, especially for women in tech.

Sophie's background

Sophie, a passionate computer science student from Vietnam, has been coding since she was 15. Currently studying at Georgia State University, she explores new programming languages, frameworks, and open-source projects, driven by her dream of becoming a proficient software engineer. As a volunteer software engineer at Develop For Good, she contributes to Pantheon, a platform streamlining access to resources for all stakeholders. She’s also collaborated on open-source projects like Google's Blockly and Cloud Native Computing Foundation's Thanos.

How Sophie chose her country of study

Sophie chose the USA for its renowned computer science programs, emphasizing discovery and creativity with modern facilities. The abundant internship and career opportunities with top tech firms allow her to gain valuable industry experience and practical skills.

How Sophie's studies will shape her future

Inspired by Hillary Clinton's words on untapped talent, Sophie aims to empower women in STEM by breaking down barriers and fostering connections through technology. She hopes to inspire other women by sharing her journey and experiences, encouraging them to pursue STEM careers and overcome societal biases.

YaAwa Bah

The Gambia

Plans to pursue a BSc in Environmental Engineering in Cyprus

Working in The Gambia's sole water and sewerage company, YaAwa is helping improve access to clean water in her country. With a higher education, she believes she can improve her work and add a layer of sustainability to her career.

YaAwa's background

YaAwa Bah, a mechatronics technician from The Gambia, is dedicated to improving access to clean water in her country. She oversees the maintenance of groundwater production boreholes at NAWEC, the national water utility. With firsthand experience in water treatment processes, YaAwa sees the critical need for sustainable solutions, particularly in rural areas. She believes her work can help ensure clean water resources for future generations.

How YaAwa chose her country of study

YaAwa chose to study in Cyprus for its world-class education and practical focus, especially in environmental engineering. Besides getting a partial scholarship from the university, YaAwa is also excited about Europe's multicultural environment, which offers an ideal setting for her growth as an international student. Having lived in North America, YaAwa is eager to embrace Cyprus' diverse culture and history, enriching her educational journey.

How YaAwa’s studies will shape her future

With an environmental engineering degree, YaAwa aims to address the environmental and energy challenges facing The Gambia. She hopes to Apply her expertise to optimize solar energy and groundwater management, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and safeguarding water resources. This degree will empower her to make a meaningful impact at NAWEC and across her country.