The College of Engineering’s Graduate Engineering Research Scholars (GERS) was established to recognized excellence in research and/or scholarship and to enhance the experiences and opportunities of graduate students from underrepresented groups in the College of Engineering.
Advanced Opportunity Fellowship (AOF) are awarded through GERS. Funding through GERS is open to students pursuing both research-based Master’s and PhD degrees. Faculty must nominate a graduate student through a competitive application process in order for a student to receive AOF funding.
GERS is much more than financial support. It is a program that empowers students by facilitating community gatherings for peer support, providing professional development opportunities, and connecting fellows with resources on an off campus for their advancement as scholars.
Alastair Big Luna (PhDME'25) - From finance to fission: Nontraditional student makes bold move for PhD
As a father of three who moved across the country during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue a PhD in a new field—at the same time his wife reinvented her career—he’s navigated his fair share of uncertainty and stress. Alastair successfully defended his dissertation on advanced sensing technology for nuclear energy systems in January 2025.
GERS Updates
GERS Events
- May
- May 14
History
Douglass Henderson, an emeritus professor of nuclear engineering in the Department of Engineering Physics, envisioned a program like GERS in 1998. He knew that giving the few minority students in the College of Engineering a community would help them feel less isolated, increasing chances of success in graduate school.
Since its inception in 1999, the GERS program has had the goal of diversifying the professoriate in engineering, as this can help impact the number of underrepresented students in engineering programs; however, GERS graduates also serve as leaders in industry.
The GERS model, leading to sustained growth of underrepresented graduates in the College of Engineering, has spread across the university to many colleges. The success of GERS culminated in Prof. Henderson’s nomination for and awarding of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring in 2009.
Program Overview
What do we expect from our Scholars?
- Make adequate progress toward successful Master’s or Ph.D. degree completion.
- Engage and participate in GERS events including attending monthly meetings and providing feedback on successes, needs and challenges.
- Contribute to building a community of scholars by suggesting meeting topics, facilitating cohort conversations, and participating in GERS mentorship opportunities.
- Take advantage of resources to enhance your graduate experience, including professional development workshops, mentorship, health and wellness resources, and The Writing Center.
- Engage in your department community and start building your professional network. This could include joining a committee, forming a study group, attending special events, etc.
- Participate in GERS outreach and recruitment efforts to share your experiences as a graduate student.
- Meet with the GERS program manager to monitor progress toward a graduate degree.
- Support each other!
What can our Scholars expect from us?
- Financial support for your Master’s or PhD degree.
- Access to and support in locating and receiving a myriad of campus resources.
- Programming and development opportunities to help each cohort and individual develop a community of peers.
- Mentorship and networking opportunities with other GERS fellows and GERS alumni.
- Faculty and staff advocacy and support.
Nomination Process
After students have been admitted to one of our engineering graduate programs, the department will submit a nomination on the student’s behalf. The nominee will be requested to complete the nominee form.
All nominations are reviewed by the GERS Faculty Committee.
