The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognized FAMU-FSU College of Engineering students (L-R) Cassie Duclos (honorable mention), Sebastian Castro (award winner), Luis Ernesto Blanco (award winner, not pictured) Dylan Barton (honorable mention), and Graeme Pugsley (honorable mention), photographed at the joint college. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
Several students from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering recently received prestigious recognition in the 2025 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP).
This highly competitive national program, the oldest in the U.S., provides substantial financial support to exceptional graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM fields.
Elite Recognition in a Competitive Field
With only 1,000 fellowships awarded nationwide this year, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering stands out with two full awardees and four honorable mentions. Sebastian Castro and Luis Ernesto Blanco have earned complete GRFP awards in Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, respectively, highlighting the excellence fostered within the joint college.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this fellowship that will support my doctoral studies,” said Castro, who graduates in Spring 2025 and will pursue his Ph.D. in chemical engineering at New York University. “It’s rewarding to see all my hard work during my undergraduate studies pay off. I am especially thankful for the mentorship and support I received throughout the application process, including assistance from Professor Ralm Ricarte, Professor Daniel Hallinan, Jr. and Jesse Weiland at the FSU Office of National Fellowships.”
Castro’s doctoral research will focus on electrochemical reaction engineering for climate solutions, addressing one of today’s most pressing global challenges.
Honorable Mentions Showcase Department Strength
The college’s impressive showing extends to four honorable mentions: Dylan Barton and Cassie Duclos from Chemical Engineering, Graeme Pugsley from Chemical Engineering (with a Materials Science and Engineering focus for the NSF-GRFP), and Casey Cargill from Biomedical Engineering. Their recognition in this selective program demonstrates the depth of talent at the college.
Comprehensive Support for Future Innovators
The NSF GRFP provides fellows with a generous three-year annual stipend of $37,000 plus a $16,000 education allowance for tuition and fees. Beyond financial support, the program opens doors to international research opportunities and professional development resources, allowing recipients to pursue their research with greater independence, free from teaching assistant obligations.
Faculty Mentorship Drives Student Success
Assistant Professor Ralm Ricarte in the joint college’s Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, who has mentored many of these successful students, emphasized the quality of education at the college.
“The students are all extremely bright, which is a testament to the quality of education our Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Department provides,” he shared.
Drawing from personal experience, Ricarte added, “Receiving the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship in 2011 stands out as a pivotal moment in my career. It not only granted me invaluable intellectual freedom but also offered a sense of security throughout my doctoral studies.”
Shaping Future STEM Leaders
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship continues to play a crucial role in developing the careers of promising scientists and engineers, supporting early-career researchers with the potential to make significant contributions to their fields. As FAMU-FSU College of Engineering students continue to excel in this prestigious program, they are positioned to lead innovations and scientific advancements in the years ahead.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude 3.7 Sonnet, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: May 1, 2025.
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