Marquette Wins $538,000 Education Grant
Funding will support four doctoral students in computer science for the next three years.
By Amina Kaminski ·
Dr. Dennis Brylow, chair of the computer science department at Marquette University, announced on Sunday that the institution has secured a federal award worth approximately $538,000. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need program, commonly known as GAANN.
The money will pay for three years of support for four doctoral candidates in the university’s computer science program. Computer science is currently listed as a national need due to a shortage of qualified teachers and researchers. Brylow noted that domestic students often hesitate to pursue graduate degrees because of high costs and the relatively high salaries available to those with only undergraduate degrees.
"We are finding that domestic computer science graduates are not encouraged to pursue graduate studies due to the high educational cost and already fair salary an undergraduate degree commands," Brylow said. He added that a lack of visible role models among current faculty and students also discourages potential applicants. The grant aims to remove financial barriers and diversify the pool of future scholars.
The program will allow Marquette to provide both financial and organizational backing to these four fellows. In addition to their own research, the fellows will interact with and teach undergraduate students. Brylow explained that this interaction increases visibility and creates natural mentorship opportunities for undergraduates who might want to follow a similar academic path.
Dr. Heather Hathaway, acting dean of the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, praised Brylow’s continued support for computer science education. She described the work as an extension of the university’s mission to expand educational access. Hathaway stated that the award helps break down barriers to education while expanding opportunities in a field identified as a national need.
Brylow has a personal connection to the GAANN program, having received a fellowship himself while a doctoral student at Purdue University. He described the current award as meaningful because his previous support helped solidify his career path as a teacher and scholar.
The GAANN program provides fellowships to graduate students with excellent records and financial needs who plan to pursue the highest degree available in their field at an institute of higher education.
