The National Science & Technology Medals Foundation

06/09/2026

Congratulations to inSTEM Scholar Kritazya Upreti (UTA-27) and teammate Suyog Neupane from The University of Texas at Arlington on winning First Place in the 2026 National Academy of Inventors’ GenSpiration Prize Competition!

Their award-winning project is a soft pneumatic wrist exoskeleton designed to support rehabilitation and improve wrist mobility for individuals recovering from stroke and other neurological disorders. The lightweight, affordable device uses innovative soft robotics technology to assist natural wrist movement while remaining accessible to patients.

Guided by mentor Dr. Inderjeet Singh and supported by the UT Arlington Research Institute, Kritazya and Suyog developed a technology with the potential to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Please join us in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment!

You can read more here: https://utari.uta.edu/utari-undergraduate-team-wins-first-place-in-national-innovation-competition/

UTARI Undergraduate Team Wins First Place in National Innovation Competition Publication date June 8, 2026 15th Annual 2026 Conference of the National Academy of Inventors From Discovery to Destiny A team of undergraduate research assistants at The University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute...

05/29/2026

We are deeply saddened to share that renowned mathematician Richard A. Tapia has passed away at the age of 87.

Tapia made legendary achievements in mathematics and computational science and was a fierce advocate for underrepresented groups in STEM. From 1970 until his passing, Tapia taught at Rice University, where he directed his namesake endeavor, the Tapia Center for Excellence and Equity in Education.

In 2011, Tapia was awarded the National Medal of Science, the highest award given to a scientist or engineer by the United States government, by former President Barack Obama for his pioneering, fundamental contributions to optimization theory and numerical analysis, seamlessly blending academic excellence with a lifelong commitment to diversity.

Tapia was dedicated to empowering the next generation of diverse scientists and engineers. His legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.

05/27/2026

We’re so proud of inSTEM alumna Charis Haynes getting into medical school! This achievement is truly remarkable and a testament to her hard work and determination. 🎊✨

Today’s inSTEM highlight features Charis Haynes, an inSTEM alumna from the inaugural HU-24 cohort. In addition to being an inSTEM alumna, Charis served as an inSTEM Program Associate at the NSTMF this past year and a half. She has been a great addition to our team, and we look forward to seeing her soar and achieve even greater feats.

05/25/2026

Today we pause to remember, honor, and express gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by so many.

In observation of Memorial Day, the NSTMF office will be closed today and resume activities on Tuesday.

05/22/2026

It’s time for May’s inSTEM Mini-Grant Conference Support Recap! ✨

This month, we supported Scholar Jessyann Perez, who attended the 2026 Big Design Conference!

It has been an incredible Spring semester, providing Mini-Grant Conference Support to our inSTEM Scholars and Alumni. We’ve loved helping our Scholars, and as we look ahead, our goal is to continue this support.

Help us empower the next generation of STEM leaders:
https://nationalmedals.org/donate/

05/20/2026

Take some time this summer to connect with your local community and unwind! Choose one of these activities and have fun.

Connecting with others is vital for human well-being. Engaging with friends, family, or even acquaintances can lower stress levels and foster empathy! Do you have a different activity you'd like to do? Comment below!

05/18/2026

Another chapter of inSTEM has been completed! 🎊

Reflecting on the amazing year we’ve had with inSTEM, we wanted to recall the various events we had. From the inSTEM Summit to orientation and graduation, there have been so many memorable moments this year that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the community. We look forward to the next chapter of inSTEM and hope to continue being worthy advocates for STEM excellence.

Scholars, rest well and return ready to inspire and achieve even greater heights. Have a great summer!

05/15/2026

We are excited to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month!

Throughout history, there have been many National Medal of Science and National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureates who identify as Jewish American. By honoring their achievements, we celebrate a legacy of intellectual curiosity. Their contributions serve as a testament to the profound influence Jewish Americans have had on our nation's progress.

05/13/2026

We’re always excited to welcome new mentors to the inSTEM program!

inSTEM mentors are instrumental to the program and serve as a figure of support to our Scholars for academic and personal advice. Thank you, Stacey York, for joining us and supporting the next generation of STEM leaders!

Apply to become an inSTEM mentor!
https://nationalmedals.typeform.com/to/GZ6iBHF8

05/11/2026

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! 🌏

Today, we’re honoring the AAPI Laureates who have received the National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation over the last 15 years.

STEM thrives when every voice is heard. Behind every breakthrough these trailblazers have achieved is a story of resilience and ingenuity worth telling. ✨