Two Alcorn graduate students receive the 2020 IBM Master’s Fellowship Award

Two STEM graduate students at Alcorn State University are the recipients of $16,000 scholarships that will assist them in their future studies.

Computer science majors Tanzia Tuie of Bangladesh and Kyle Jenkins of Jacksonville, Florida were awarded the 2020 IBM Master’s Fellowship Program Award.

The IBM Master’s Fellowship Program focuses on strong collaborations with faculty, staff, and the University. The Program advances its partnerships by recognizing and supporting exceptional master’s students who want to make their mark in promising technologies. Candidates may currently be enrolled in master’s degree programs in the sciences, arts, nursing, business, or law.

The students reflected on winning the award and their paths to success in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics field.

“It is very inspiring to achieve this Fellowship award,” said Tuie. “It is very significant for me because I came to computer science from a different academic background. I worked hard, and this award not only acknowledges my hard work but also encouraged me to pursue further in the field of computer science.”

“It feels amazing to be recognized,” said Jenkins. “Coming from a family who has worked in the computer science field, it proves that I belong in the same breath as them. Following in their footsteps has always been a goal I aspired to complete. This award also showcases my professors in the computer science department. I couldn’t have reached this goal without their help.  Also, being a Black student and succeeding in a field such as computer science, it proves that we are capable of amazing things.”

The pair focused on how the scholarship will aid in their educational expenses and, in the future, will help them as they pursue STEM careers.

“IBM is a globally leading company. Receiving this award is a great achievement which will enhance my resume to pursue my career in academia as well as the industry,” said Tuie.

“This award will help me financially, and it will be the perfect showcase for employers to see that a highly recognized organization such as IBM believes that my work is good enough to award a scholarship,” said Jenkins.

Tuie and Jenkins encourage other aspiring STEM students to overcome challenges and listen to their professors' guidance.

“I encourage students to listen to their teachers and work hard,” said Tuie.

“If you want to better the world and make a good salary in the process, getting involved in a STEM program would be the perfect way to go," said Jenkins. "Also, don’t be intimidated by STEM programs. They may be challenging, but everything you want comes with a cost.”