Delbarton junior Ian Grenda '25 was recently named a NJ Governor's STEM Scholar, a program that recognizes New Jersey's top high school and college students committed to being the future of the state's STEM workforce and economy. Established by the Research & Development Council of NJ, the program is also supported by some of the state's top researchers and STEM professionals.
"New Jersey is where Thomas Edison developed the incandescent light bulb and Albert Einstein delivered lectures on the theory of relativity. Thirteen of the world's 20 largest pharmaceutical companies are headquartered here," according to the Scholars website. "New Jersey boasts the biggest concentration of scientists and engineers per square mile in the world."
Ironically, New Jersey is also the national leader in exporting STEM professionals, and the Governor's STEM Scholars works to address this paradox by engaging New Jersey's next science-based leaders in a state's robust STEM economy.
The Governor's STEM Scholars provides high-achieving New Jersey STEM students in grades 10 through doctoral level with an introduction to the state's vast STEM economy to retain that talent in the state. Scholars work with STEM professionals, have access to internships, and connect with Research & Development executives. All Governor’s STEM Scholars participate in a research/engineering design project. Using a United Nations sustainability goal as a guide, Scholars work in teams, led by college-level Scholars, to design a solution that impacts their local community, then create a strategy, prototype, and outreach plan. Ultimately, they present their projects to a panel of STEM industry professionals at the Governor’s STEM Scholars Commencement.
Ian has a passion for STEM and loves to explore the different branches of science. At Delbarton, he serves as a leader of the Chemistry Club and Research and Science Club. He is also a regional director for the Historia Project, an organization that teaches students about the benefits of science, technology, engineering and math by sending emissaries like Ian to introduce STEM to youngsters of all ages. During his recent internship at Benitec Biopharma Inc., Ian worked with scientists conducting cancer research, analyzed Benitec's batch records, and learned about the BB-301 Drug recently approved by the FDA for clinical trials. In addition to his interest in STEM-related topics, Ian competes in baseball and soccer and plays the clarinet in the Delbarton Orchestra.
The Delbarton community congratulates Ian Grenda on being selected as a NJ Governor's STEM Scholar!