GFSD Alumni

Building Leaders in STEM

Graduates of the Graduate Fellowships for STEM Development (GFSD) program are leaders in science, engineering, and technology, strengthening the nation’s STEM workforce and solving complex challenges across sectors. Since 1989, our Fellows have gone on to careers in academia, national laboratories, industry, and entrepreneurial endeavors, reflecting the long-term value of merit-based graduate support and professional experience.

Impact & Outcomes (Summary Metrics):

Over more than 30 years, GFSD has supported hundreds of graduate students who have become influential contributors in STEM fields. Recent alumni outcomes include:

  • Professors and research leaders at top universities.
  • Scientists and engineers at major national laboratories, with many returning to agency hosts after graduation.
  • Founders, CEOs, CTOs, and leaders of technology ventures.
  • Innovators in data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and beyond.

These alumni exemplify the impact of combining graduate fellowship support with real-world professional experience.

If you are an alum of our fellowship, we would love to talk to you. Please feel free to email Dr. Rochelle L. Williams to schedule a meeting. Also, we are starting to build our alumni community and would love for you to join. Join us on LinkedIn.

Andre Thompson Ph.D. (2014 GFSD Fellow)

Dr. Thompson (2014 GFSD Fellow) completed his doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering and went on to a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). He now serves as a materials research engineer at NIST, applying his expertise to advanced technical challenges.

Laura Mather Ph.D. (1994 GFSD Fellow)

Dr. Mather (1994 GFSD Fellow) pursued doctoral work in Computer Science with GFSD support and interned at the NSA. She later contributed to cybersecurity and HR technology, co-founding successful companies and mentoring emerging technical talent.

Parinaz Fathi Ph.D. (2018 GFSD Fellow)

Dr. Fathi was selected as a GFSD Fellow while pursuing her Ph.D. in Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Following the completion of her doctorate, Dr. Fathi was named an IRTA Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She now serves as a Principal Investigator, leading a research group focused on developing organ-on-a-chip models of immune-related conditions and investigating the role of biological nanoparticles in autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Stay Connected & Engage:

GFSD alumni are a vital part of our community. We’re building a network that fosters ongoing mentorship, professional development, and collaboration.

Get involved:
✔ Join our Alumni LinkedIn Group — connect, share opportunities, and support current Fellows.
✔ Be a mentor — help guide the next generation of STEM leaders.
✔ Share your story — we would love to feature your journey.

If you are an alum and would like to get in touch, please email us at gfsd@stemfellowships.org