2023-24 Taiylor R. Nunn STEM Scholarship Recipients Announced – Kaia Fraizer ‘25 and Alvin Hsu ‘27
This is the second year that two ISM students who are passionate about STEM were awarded the Taiylor R. Nunn STEM Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2022 for students in grades 9-12 by the Nunn Family in honor of their daughter, Taiylor Nunn, ISM alumna and M.I.T. graduate who will be attending medical school through the University of Queensland and UQ-Ochsner Clinical School starting this January.
As a part of their applications, Kaia Fraizer ‘25 and Alvin Hsu ‘27 submitted essays describing their intrigue in STEM, including relevant experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.
Kaia Fraizer, a junior who has attended ISM since 7th grade shares how at ISM, “being able to be a part of labs in classes like chemistry, biology, and physics has greatly contributed to my interest in STEM.” Kaia is currently taking Advanced Biology and Advanced Physics and is looking forward to pursuing multiple science AP® course offerings her senior year including AP® Biology, AP® Physics, and AP® Chemistry.
Over the summer, Kaia explored additional STEM opportunities after being awarded a fellowship at the Environmental Stewardship Institute. One of Kaia’s hands-on STEM experiences involved helping “restore areas near Mississippi to their original historical environment by doing things like planting shrubs and eradicating invasive species. These opportunities taught me how crucial it is to reintroduce native species back into their ecosystem and honor our native lands.”
Although Kaia isn’t 100% certain as to what areas of STEM she is most interested in pursuing following graduation, one thing is certain—how she intends to create a positive change.
As an Asian-American young woman, Kaia writes about how “Asian Americans represent about 30 percent of the STEM workforce. Still, the advancement of Asian women who have become scientists or engineers still lag behind their male counterparts.” In turn, Kaia’s goal is to “contribute to positive change so that I can influence and be a role model to younger generations.”
Alvin Hsu has attended ISM since 1st grade following his family’s move to the U.S. from Taiwan. Alvin credits both his parents and ISM for having exposed him to STEM from a young age. “All throughout my life, friends, family, and teachers have encouraged me to explore subjects like math and computers in STEM… I feel that doing mathematics really puts my brain to the test and lets me enjoy solving different mathematical equations.”
In Middle School, Alvin participated on the math team and was selected to compete with four classmates. “I was able to explore several types of math and work through several hard problems.” Alvin, now a freshman, has his sights set on joining the High School math team next.
Alvin describes ISM as a school that has a lot to offer: “The material is not only really interesting and helpful, but also teachers are really kind and really want you to succeed. I think that ISM has a great learning environment and a place where children can achieve their dreams.”
This year, Alvin is most excited to learn about biology and develop an understanding of the anatomy of living things. “I'm really interested in human anatomy, and in the future, I want to hopefully help find a cure for diseases,” says Alvin.
As for plans after graduating from ISM, Alvin intends to major in the STEM field. “I want to be able to do something that can help others in the future while doing what I love.”
Both Kaia and Alvin expressed their sincere gratitude for the Taiylor R. Nunn STEM Scholarship. “This scholarship really helps me get closer to my future goals and is a great aid to my family,” says Alvin.
Kaia believes it is important for schools to have scholarships such as the Taiylor R. Nunn scholarship: “Scholarships can lessen the financial burden on families, and in turn can provide recipients new opportunities.”
The Taiylor R. Nunn Scholarship is a $10,000 award that is split between two students annually.
The 2024-2025 scholarship application process will begin in March for eligible students. Read more about the Taiylor R. Nunn STEM Scholarship here: https://sabisschools.sabis.net/taiylornunnscholarship-1.
