Pictured Above: COF Scholars present their project to John Magill, Associate Vice Chancellor of Economic Development for the Ohio Department of Higher Education

The Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program, funded for 15 years at YSU by the State of Ohio, provides scholarships to Ohio students pursuing a STEM degree. As an expectation of the program, students attend monthly meetings and participate in either research or work-based learning experiences.

Choose Ohio First Scholars this year lived up to and exceeded every expectation set for them by their predecessors. 
In the research-based program, students worked in teams under faculty guidance to conduct a research or design project throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. They presented their projects at three forums in the Spring semester: YSU QUEST; the Regional Choose Ohio First Poster Symposium; and the Annual STEM Showcase.

At YSU QUEST, two Choose Ohio First posters earned top honors, making this the 9th year at least one COF poster has received top QUEST honors!

• Best Undergraduate Project- Poster Presentation: “Electrochemical Detection of Multiple Heavy Metal Ions Using a Metal Organic Framework and Biohybrid Nanocomposite Modified Electrodes”, Joseph Macejko, Kyle Preusser, Alex Corona, and Anthony Meranto; mentored by Dr. Byong-Wook Park
• College Award- Bitonte College of Health & Human Services: “Mahoning Valley Reproductive Health Pediatric Care Service and Policy Analysis”, Jacqueline Palusak, Delaney Panigall, Daniella Hosack, Pantelis Pizanias, Emily McNicol, Divya Warrier and Julianna Sandine; mentored by Dr. Nicolette Powe

The Regional Choose Ohio First Poster Symposium is an annual gathering of Choose Ohio First scholars throughout Northeast Ohio. Participants include Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, John Carroll University, Kent State University, and Notre Dame College. YSU posters amassed 8 “top project” designations out of 16 possible.

• "Password Encryption and Security”, Nathaniel Arthur, Anthony Spear, Ivan Bosnjak, Edwin Patterson II; mentored by Prof. Todd Jones
• "Development of a Method to Evaluate Trace Metals in Environmental Sediment Samples by an ICP MS Approach”, Cameron Watkins; mentored by Dr. Josef Simeonsson
• “Effectiveness of Various Materials used for Phosphate Removal From Water ”, Jason Ngo, Jason Silvestri, Zoe Figinsky, and Serene Awad; mentored by Dr. Felicia Armstrong
• “The development, design, and manufacturing of a heavyweight combat robot”, Brandon Malahtaris and Tanner Tsvetkoff, mentored by Dr. Alex Pesch
• “Spectral Clustering Algorithms and their Applications”, Griffin Lough and Alex Kuzior; mentored by Dr. Hayden Julius
• “SAE Baja Powertrain”, Katie Chludzinski; mentored by Professor Anthony Viviano and Dr. Hazel Marie
• “Production and Cost Analysis of Dimethyl Ether for Transportation”, Nathanael Warren; mentored by Dr. Holly Martin
• “Immobilization of vegetable catalase using chemically modified or cross-linked chitosan films”, Mackenzie Lewis, Korey Kihm, Dale McGoogan, Graham Seditz; mentored by Dr. Nina Stourman

Fall 2023 saw the inaugural cohort of the Workforce Development through YSU STEMM (WAYS) COF program. These students attended monthly meetings focused on professional and career development, including learning how to prepare a resume and cover letter and tips for interview success. Each student was required to apply for at least 5 co-op or internship opportunities. Of the 25 freshman students in the cohort, 10 were offered and accepted positions for summer 2023. Each student in the program is expected to complete at least one registered co-op or internship before they graduate.

• Sierra Arnal- Aflac
• Joseph Benvie- Nuway Incorporated
• Nate Burnell- Trivium Packaging
• Ryan Emch- Ohio Department of Transportation
• Anthony Kluchar- Zekelman Industries (Wheatland Tube)
• Marcel Leone- America Makes
• Dylan Lewis- Steubenville Schools
• Stevie Pateras- Economic Action Group
• Alyssa Ruggles- Economic Action Group
• Nate Wirtz- JM Verostko

Choose Ohio First is a state-funded scholarship program for incoming undergraduate and graduate students studying in certain fields. See our website to learn more about the YSU programs and eligibility requirements. 

Pictured below: close up of "The Emperor" heavy-weight combat robot designed by a team of mechanical engineers, including two COF scholars