Science & Technology

UWF alumnus named NSF Graduate Research Fellow

University of West Florida alumnus Joseph “Joey” Yount was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. The fellowship will allow Yount to pursue a Ph.D. in materials engineering at Purdue University.

Cropped shot of an scientist transferring a liquid sample from a dropper into test tubes while working in a laboratory

University of West Florida alumnus Joseph “Joey” Yount was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. The fellowship will allow Yount to pursue a Ph.D. in materials engineering at Purdue University.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is the oldest graduate fellowship of its kind. NSF Fellows are anticipated to become leaders in their field who can contribute significantly to research, teaching and innovations in science and engineering. These individuals are crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation’s technological infrastructure and national security as well as contributing to the economic well-being of society at large.

“Joey is a uniquely talented scientist who exemplifies how hard work, passion, perseverance and teamwork can overcome confidence and financial barriers to success,” said Dr. Karen Molek, chemistry department chair and professor. “He could have attended any undergraduate institution of his choosing and we are honored he chose UWF. He is truly a hometown success story having attended a local high school, graduated as the 2018 top chemistry student at UWF, and now is recognized by the National Science Foundation in the top-tier of Ph.D. students across the country.”

As a fellow, Yount will benefit from a three-year annual stipend of $34,000 along with a $12,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees, opportunities for international research and professional development, and the freedom to conduct his own research.

Yount graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from UWF in 2018. During his time at UWF, Yount was a graduate assistant, a Chem Scholar, and recipient of the Ralph K. Birdwhistell Chemistry scholarship, the top chemistry scholarship and senior award at UWF.

“I couldn’t have made it to where I am without the help and support of the faculty at UWF,” Yount said. “The chemistry department, in particular, is home to numerous faculty who strive to help students become competitive professionals after graduation. In addition to their one of a kind support, I received a top-notch education that gives me a competitive advantage in graduate school. Go Argos!”

For additional information about the UWF Department of Chemistry, visit uwf.edu/chemistry.