Alumnus Aims to Be a Scientist—and Mentor
After graduating from high school with a knack for math and science, Rutgers University–Newark student Brian Higgins set his sights on a career in information technology. But mentors encouraged him to attend the Graduate School–Newark, where Higgins SASN’18 is working toward a Ph.D. and researching methods for detecting groundwater contamination. He recently won a National Science Foundation (NSF) research fellowship to explore high-tech ways of measuring water tables at Superfund sites, including locations in Newark, his hometown. In part, Higgins chalks up his success to the diversity of the faculty and student body at Rutgers, pointing out that studying with classmates from different backgrounds, but with similar concerns and struggles, makes a difference.
Higgins has also become a member of Bridges to the Doctorate, an NSF program that supports promising students pursuing advanced degrees and offers financial support. He plans on mentoring young African American men, showing them what graduate school in the STEM field can offer. “There needs to be enough people who have taken the journey to explain why it can be of value.”