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Omaha Benson Student Awarded $80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship

Thursday, May 26, 2022

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Zyairah Gamble of Omaha as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Gamble was presented with a check for $80,000 on Friday, May 6. She receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“Zyairah Gamble is truly a strong and motivated student, with a lot of grit and resilience that will make her low maintenance but highly exemplary part of the Marie Curie Scholarship program,” said Nghia Lee, assistant director of Nebraska Methodist College Upward Bound Math & Science.

College of Saint Mary’s prestigious Marie Curie Scholars Program, which is 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 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.

Gamble, the daughter of Raven and Demetrius Hunt, earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Omaha Benson High School. Some of Gamble’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:

  • Health Professions Lighthouse Award (2020)
  • Academic Excellence Award (2020)
  • Upward Bound Math and Science Summer Academy Certificate of Achievement (2019)
  • Class of 2022 Academic Letter Award
  • Varsity Letter Award (2018-19)
     

At CSM, Gamble plans to major in biology starting in the fall of 2022. Located in Omaha, in the heart of Aksarben Village, College of Saint Mary 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. Gamble is one of eight recipients of this year’s Marie Curie Scholarships.