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California Student Awarded Prestigious Marie Curie Scholarship at College of Saint Mary

Sunday, May 7, 2023

College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Julissa Garcia of Pico Rivera, Calif., as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Garcia was presented with a scholarship check for $80,000. Garcia receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“Julissa always demonstrates a drive to perform at the highest level. She makes sure to understand challenging mathematical concepts for the long term rather than only studying for an exam,” said Patrick Tingleff, mathematics department chair at St. Paul High School. “Julissa frequently seeks out additional opportunities to continue to develop her mathematical ability by stopping by the classroom both before and after school.”

College of Saint Mary’s prestigious Marie Curie Scholars Program, funded in part by the National Science Foundation, provides significant financial support and resources to outstanding young women pursuing study in STEM majors, such as biology, chemistry, human biology or math.

Marie Curie Scholars receive up to $20,000 annually for four years in gift aid. In addition to having access to substantial financial resources and facilities, participants also receive free tutoring, have opportunities for undergraduate research, and have access to top programs like the National Institute of Health and NASA research fellowships. Marie Curie Scholars also often attend and present at national conferences.

Garcia, the daughter of Angel and Veronica Garcia, earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at St. Paul High School. Some of Garcia’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:

  • Captain of the golf team
  • Goalie on the soccer team
  • Elected to Associated Student Body

At CSM, Garcia plans to major in biology. She also plans to play golf for the Flames. Located in Omaha, in the heart of Aksarben Village, CSM uses initiatives like the Marie Curie Scholar Program to provide women from all backgrounds with access to an affordable, excellent college experience, career-driven coursework and lifelong leadership skills. Garcia is one of seven recipients of this year’s Marie Curie Scholarships.