Students and alumni from the University of Central Florida have earned more than $1 million from the National Science Foundation to support their pursuits of advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM.

Ten UCF students and graduates were named recipients of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, which support outstanding graduate students who are working toward research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in STEM fields.

Four other UCF students received honorable mentions from the NSF.

The fellows will each receive a three-year annual stipend of $30,000.

The students are also each given a $10,500 educational allowance that covers tuition and fees, opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education.

UCF’s 2012 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program recipients are:

Christine Dykstra graduated with Honors in the Major in spring 2011. She received a degree in Environmental Engineering from the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Jacqueline Esquiaqui, a member of the Burnett Honors College, graduated from the College of Sciences in fall 2010 with degrees in Chemistry and Biology.

Ashley Ewh, a member of the Burnett Honors College, graduated in spring 2011 from the College of Engineering and Computer Science with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Spencer Frank is an Honors in the Major student. He currently studies Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Elise Hernandez, a member of the Burnett Honors College, graduated with Honors in the Major in summer 2011. She received a degree in Psychology from the College of Sciences.

Perry Johnson, a member of the Burnett Honors College, graduated in fall 2011 with Honors in the Major. He received his Mechanical Engineering degree from the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Lilian Milanes currently studies Anthropology in the College of Sciences and is an Honors in the Major student.

Christina Restrepo graduated with Honors in the Major in spring 2011. She received a degree from the College of Education in Science Education with a specialization in Biology.

Emily Sassano received a degree in Molecular Biology and Microbiology from the College of Medicine and a degree in Biology from the College of Sciences. She graduated with Honors in the Major in fall 2007.

Reginald Tran graduated in spring 2011 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

The Office of Prestigious Awards works with fellowship applicants and supports them throughout the application process. For more information about the office and other award opportunities, visit http://www.opa.honors.ucf.edu/.