The Nier Scholarship recognizes exceptional achievement in academic work, research, or both. At least one letter of recommendation is required. Both Physics and Astrophysics majors are eligible for this scholarship.
Nathan Essner Nathan is originally from Ames, Iowa. "My current research interest is in random Schrodinger operators in mathematical physics with applications to unconventional superconductivity in condensed matter theory. Specifically, I am interested in creating predictive models of superconductivity in bilayer graphene with defects."
Theo Mahaffey Theo is originally from Madison, Wisconsin. "I will continue my studies by pursuing a PhD in condensed matter and quantum information theory. The opportunity to develop transformative new technologies drives my passion for those subjects. I have also worked extensively in observational heliophysics in my time at the University of Minnesota."
2022 Nier Scholarship Recipient
Blake Wendland Blake is originally from Waseca, Minnesota. "This award will help fund my tuition and allow me to fully pursue my research and education goals. I currently do research in the lab of Martin Greven. This lab focuses on exploration of high-temperature superconductors. My research mainly focuses on the cuprate Hg1201 (HgBa2CuO4+). I explore the mirco/macroscopic structure, the process of formation, and electronic properties of this novel material."
2021 Nier Scholarship Recipient
Sauviz Alaei
Sauviz is from Eagan, MN. plan to use the money to cover academic expenses and support my research. He is currently focused on condensed matter research in Professor Dahlberg's lab.
Kayla Lehtola
Kayla is from Corcoran, MN. The award money/scholarship will be used to supplement my tuition and school expenses which will provide her an opportunity to spend more time focusing on her senior thesis and final year of classes. She is working on a thesis project related to magnetorheological fluids with Professor Dahlberg.
2020 Nier Scholarship Recipient
Amanda Gatto Lamas
Amanda is from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. She is a junior studying Physics with a Math minor. Here in Minnesota, she has worked in the SmallSat Research Laboratory for a year, part of the team that tested and characterized SOCRATES's detector. She is also currently interested in quantum nonlocality, the topic of her MXP2 project, and quantum information, which she will explore in a REU this summer. The award will be a great aid in paying for tuition next year, which will help her afford applying to more graduate schools.
2019 Nier Scholarship Recipients
Michael Laraia
Yuka Nakato
University of Minnesota Honors Student - Class of '20
