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Plattsmouth High School Student Awarded $80,000 Marie Curie Scholarship at College of Saint Mary

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

 College of Saint Mary (CSM) has selected Natalie Briggs of Plattsmouth, Neb., as a Marie Curie Scholar starting in the fall. Briggs was presented with a scholarship check for $80,000 on Friday, April 14. Wilson receives the scholarship after standing out in academic talent and showing outstanding leadership service.

“Natalie is a very hard worker, and she strives to do the best that she can in her classes,” said Deeny Nielsen, a science teacher at Plattsmouth High School. “She seems to have an affinity for both math and science, as she easily understands the most difficult of concepts in these classes and moves forward past them at a steady pace. She is quick to understand and incorporate this knowledge into applications, which will serve her well in a future STEM career.”

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.

Briggs, the daughter of Larry and Kathy Briggs, earns the scholarship after achieving several honors at Oakville High School. Some of Briggs’ academic and extracurricular accomplishments include:

  • Vice president and president of Academy Core leaders
  • School Board Representative for Student Council
  • Three-sport athlete in cross country, basketball and track and field
  • National Honor Society member

At CSM, Briggs plans to major in human biology starting in the fall of 2023. 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. Briggs is one of seven recipients of this year’s Marie Curie Scholarships.