Holmdel Students Honored As Graduates Of Governor’s STEM Scholars

HOLMDEL, NJ — On Saturday, Holmdel residents Maya Baireddy and Sophia Gao graduated from the Governor’s STEM Scholars, a year-long program of the Research & Development Council of New Jersey.

Baireddy and Gao were among 111 high school and college students from all 21 counties across New Jersey who completed the immersive STEM experience.

The Governor’s STEM Scholars program offers students a 360 view of New Jersey’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) economy through research, site visits, and conferences.

This year’s commencement, which was held at Kean University, marked a major milestone, as the program now boasts more than 1,000 alumni.

As a public-private partnership among the Research & Development Council of NJ, the Governor’s Office, the NJ Department of Education, the NJ Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, and public and private research universities, the Governor’s STEM Scholars program connects high-achieving students in 10th grade through Ph.D. programs with the state’s innovation ecosystem.

“This year’s 111 scholars represent the best of what New Jersey has to offer — and with this class, we’ve officially crossed the threshold of 1,000 alumni,” Governor’s STEM Scholars Director Alise Roderer said. “From lab tours to research and policy briefings, these students are building lifelong connections to the state’s STEM economy and becoming New Jersey’s next generation of innovators.”

Throughout the year, scholars attended four conferences focused on STEM in government, academia, and industry. These events were held at the Rutgers School of Engineering, Montclair State University, the NJ Institute of Technology, and Kean University.

Scholars also participated in virtual sessions with STEM professionals from Kenvue and Stockton University, and visited industry partners, including Bristol Myers Squibb.

In addition, each scholar participated in a community-based research project, led by a college-level team leader. Projects tackled real-world challenges with innovative, research-based solutions.

As graduates, Baireddy and Gao join an alumni of over 1,000 Governor’s STEM Scholars — a powerful, statewide community of future innovators with direct connections to career opportunities in New Jersey.

The program is free for all participants through the support of Bristol Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, Merck & Co., Novartis, PSEG Foundation, Spencer Savings Bank, and Stryker.

Applications for the 2025–26 Governor’s STEM Scholars program are open through June 13, 2025. To apply, you can click here.

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