Semmes Scholars
Over the years, Trinity University’s Semmes Scholars have been able to immerse themselves in STEM research and various opportunities thanks to the generous support of the Semmes Foundation. The Semmes Foundation’s support has ensured that Trinity students interested in studying STEM have not only the resources but also the financial support they need to excel in their field.
Established in 1952 by Dr. Douglas Ramsay (D. R.) Semmes, the Semmes Foundation has a long legacy of generosity at Trinity. The foundation funded the Thomas Semmes Chemistry Hall when Trinity relocated to its current campus and endowed a chemistry professorship.
Semmes Distinguished Scholars in Science Scholarship
Semmes Scholars receive full-tuition scholarships and a $5,000 stipend for research, professional travel, materials, and supplies, to support them as they pursue STEM studies at Trinity.
Meet the Current Scholars
Sydney Mae Barner '28
- Dallas, Texas
- Psychology and Anthropology
Sydney Mae Barner chose Trinity largely because of its encouragement for students to explore various disciplines and develop their passion through discovery on and off campus. Barner aspires to study the psychology and societal impacts of addictive behaviors, such as opioid use and eating disorders. “My current research interest is a culmination of impactful voices I’ve read or heard and formative experiences I’ve faced. As of late, I’ve been reading the book Famished by Rebecca Lester, which delves into the ways in which for-profit insurance perpetuates disordered eating in America,” she says.
Marlene Krueger '28
- Fair Haven, New Jersey
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology on Pre-Med Track
Marlene Krueger ’28 has always been interested in analyzing complex graphs and solving intricate math problems.
“Since I was young, I’ve been passionate about science, but my freshman year biology teacher helped me find my passion for biology and later chemistry,” she says. “Figuring out how things work is fascinating to me, and I love being able to delve deeper into intricate topics through research.
Clarissa Cecilia Reyna ’28
- Mission, Texas
- Psychology
Clarissa Cecilia Reyna ’28 believes STEM is a means to apply scientific knowledge and solutions to issues facing contemporary society. “My interest in STEM comes from a deep interest in psychology, the processes of the human mind, and how it adapts to environmental stimuli and psychological trauma,” she says.
Initially, Trinity’s psychology department interested Reyna. “The psychology department boasts impressive clinical research opportunities,” she says. “This, along with Trinity’s liberal arts-integrated curriculum, is crucial for anyone pursuing a STEM major.”
Caroline Westbrook '28
- Houston, Texas
- Biology
Caroline Westbrook can trace her love for STEM back to her father. Her father, a cancer researcher and biochemist, always brought home lab equipment for Westbrook and her brother to experiment with.