Meet the 2026 STEM Forward Scholarship Recipients
Each year, STEM Forward awards a total of $33,000 in scholarships to 11 students, including renewal recipients, to support exceptional students from the Milwaukee area pursuing STEM-related degrees. Through $3,000 scholarships, STEM Forward helps encourage continued academic excellence and community involvement while strengthening Southeastern Wisconsin’s future STEM workforce. In partnership with our generous donors, STEM Forward is proud to support these students as they continue advancing along their STEM pathways in the coming academic year.
Elizabeth Brauer High School Scholarship Recipient: Nandar Oak
Hello! My name is Nandar Oak, and I'm a graduating senior at Ronald Reagan High School and a full IB diploma candidate. I plan to major in Biology at UW-Madison with a minor in the arts. I always wanted to work in a lab, viewing microscopes and running procedures such as polymerase chain reactions. My biggest inspirations were the educated women I had the privilege of meeting with, alongside the numerous science shows I watched as a kid. In addition to my IB Biology class, I was also a part of my school's visual arts department and curated my own portfolio, which can be viewed at https://nandaroak.weebly.com/. I love taking up new challenges, even if I know I'll fail, and I enjoy spending my time reading or riding my bike. I am extremely grateful to receive the STEM Forward Elizabeth Brauer Scholarship and to all its sponsors!
Southeastern Wisconsin High School Scholarship Recipient: Phoebe Combs
Hi! I currently attend Rufus King High School and will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall. I plan to major in Environmental Science to work outdoors and study the world around us. In my free time, I enjoy biking. I have raced competitively with the Milwaukee Mountain Bike Team for the past four years and hope to continue racing in the future. I also sew quite a lot. I enjoy reusing old fabric and clothes to give them a new life. At school, I participate in many activities and am valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. I am the president of the yearbook committee and captain of the Rufus King Rock Climbing Team. I am also a varsity starter for the girls' soccer team, a member of the Rufus King Jazz band, and a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Science Honor Society. By studying Environmental Science, I hope to improve my community in Milwaukee and the greater Wisconsin area by better understanding the environment and nature. I am so grateful to receive this scholarship and would like to thank my parents and teachers for their support.
Marquette University Robert Brauer Scholarship Recipient: Luke Gorman
My name is Luke Gorman, and I am a freshman at Marquette University and originally from Traverse City, Michigan. I am pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in structural engineering. From a young age, I have always been intrigued by problem-solving and machinery in engineering. I knew from the start that I wanted to go into engineering. Still, it was not until the summer before college, when I worked at an excavation company and worked on the early stages of building houses, that I knew I wanted to go into civil engineering. I believe that helping people achieve their long-term dream of owning a home is so important because it's my dream as well. I am excited to continue my path in civil engineering and to one day turn these dreams into reality. My goal is to one day move back to my hometown and start my own company, where I can work with people across the fields of engineering and construction to continue building the beauty of northern Michigan.
Milwaukee Area Technical College Scholarship Recipient: Danielle Peters
Hello, my name is Danielle Peters, and I am a student in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. As a supportive home caregiver for my severely autistic and epileptic brother, I have developed a lifelong passion for helping others live their best lives. After recovering from a serious car accident and experiencing the impact of therapy firsthand, I discovered Occupational Therapy as the perfect path to combine my caregiving experience with my desire to make a difference. I also have a background in media design and film studies, and I hope to bring creativity into patient care. Upon graduating in 2028, I aspire to become a certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, ideally working in pediatrics with a focus on autism. I am incredibly grateful to have received the STEM Forward Scholarship and excited for what lies ahead.
Milwaukee School of Engineering Scholarship Recipient: Gabriella Heuser
Hello, I’m Gabriella (Gabi) Heuser, a Computer Engineering student at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a member of the NCAA Division III Women’s Ice Hockey team. While these passions may seem different, both push me to think critically, solve complex problems, and stay resilient in the face of challenges. With the support of my parents and teachers, I discovered my passion for coding and circuit design in high school, leading me to pursue Computer Engineering. I also enjoy giving back by helping in my mom’s elementary classroom, sharing my love of math and science with younger students. I’m grateful for the opportunities and support that have brought me here, and I’m honored to receive this scholarship as I continue to grow as an engineer, teammate, and individual.
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Scholarship Recipient: Nicole Knasinski
Hello! My name is Nicole (Nikki) Knasinski, a senior at UW–Milwaukee majoring in Environmental Engineering. Although I’ve loved science and math since childhood, I didn’t discover my passion for engineering until a high school intro course sparked my interest and led me to environmental engineering. Choosing UWM was an easy decision due to its strong program and family connections. During my time there, I’ve built meaningful relationships with professors, advisors, and friends who have supported my journey. My love for the outdoors, animals, and water, shaped by years of fishing and exploring nature, inspired me to pursue a career as a wastewater or water engineer. As a first-generation college student, receiving the 2026 STEM Forward scholarship is incredibly meaningful, helping me stay focused on my studies while working part-time and covering expenses. I’m deeply grateful for the recognition and support that have made my college experience possible.
Join us on Thursday, August 13, 2026, for our 21st Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Golf Outing & Auction at Morningstar Golfers Club and help support the future of STEM in Wisconsin! Enjoy a fun-filled day featuring an 18-hole scramble, contests, refreshments, lunch, appetizers, drinks, raffles, a silent auction, and the chance to meet inspiring scholarship recipients whose futures you are helping shape. Whether you golf or attend the social event, your participation directly supports STEM scholarships and impactful programming for local students pursuing STEM careers.
