Inside the Governor’s STEM Scholars Experience
The Governor’s STEM Scholars brings together New Jersey’s top STEM students—from high school through doctoral level—to immerse them in the state’s innovation ecosystem. Scholars connect with leading professionals, explore higher education and career pathways, conduct hands-on STEM research and engineering design projects, and build critical professional skills to prepare them for future leadership in STEM.
Discover NJ's STEM Economy
Scholars gain a 360° view of New Jersey’s STEM economy, through four conferences focusing on government, academia, industry, and a commencement.
Network with
STEM Professionals
Scholars will network with the state’s leading STEM researchers and professionals from institutions like New Jersey Institute of Technology, Johnson & Johnson, and the New Jersey General Assembly.
Gain Access to Internships
Scholars will get exclusive access to internship opportunities across the state.
Connect with R&D Executives
Scholars will meet C-level STEM professionals and executives through Fireside Chats, such as former AT&T CEO Dr. Morris Tanenbaum, known as the founding father of the digital age.
Conduct Research
Become a STEM Citizen
Along with students from across New Jersey, Scholars will develop a research/ engineering design project that impacts their community.
Scholars engage directly with New Jersey elected officials, presenting their projects and sharing ideas to strengthen the state’s future.
Explore STEM Facilities & Labs
Scholars will visit top STEM facilities and labs at locations like PSEG, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Princeton Plasma Physics Lab.
Connect with STEM Enthusiasts
Scholars will join an elite network of young STEM professionals.
Secure NJ's Talent Pipeline
Scholars will ultimately secure the state’s STEM talent pipeline for years to come.
Hands-On Research, Real-World Results
All Governor’s STEM Scholars take part in a year-long scientific research or engineering design project aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Working in teams, Scholars investigate real-world challenges with a clear connection to New Jersey, developing a research question and conducting systematic investigation, testing, and analysis to reach evidence-based conclusions.
Projects culminate at the Governor’s STEM Scholars Commencement Conference, where teams present their research to a panel of STEM professionals. Throughout the year, Scholars work collaboratively between conferences to move their projects from an initial idea through investigation, analysis, and final presentation.
College and graduate-level Scholars serve as Research Leads, leading teams through the research process and helping Scholars manage project goals, deadlines, and deliverables. Research Leads gain valuable leadership experience and earn a $1,000 stipend upon completing all requirements.
This hands-on experience gives Scholars the opportunity to apply STEM to real challenges affecting New Jersey, strengthen their research, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, and see how their work can contribute to their communities.
2026 Excellence in Research Award
Recognizing the Scholar team that demonstrated the strongest research methodology, depth of inquiry, and quality of findings.
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WASH! TRACK! WIN!
A team of Governor’s STEM Scholars developed and tested an automated hand hygiene monitor designed to improve adolescent handwashing behavior through real-time scoring and gamification.
Their pilot study surveyed 427 students across eight New Jersey high schools and found that gamification more than doubled CDC-compliant handwashing rates.
TEAM MEMBERS
Nathaly Guillen | Iona Nandy | Reindy F. Sanon | Manya Rana | Joshitha Sripada | Kaylee Carranza | Siddhi Omesh | Tze Chang (Justin) Ng
An Automated, Gamified Hand Hygiene Monitor for Adolescents
