ORONO – Twelve University of Maine students preparing to be science and mathematics teachers in grades six through 12 each have received $3,500 awards as 2003-04 Robert Noyce Scholars. The scholarships were awarded through the Maine Mathematics and Science Teaching Excellence Collaborative, a National Science Foundation funded program, to address the shortage of math and science teachers at the secondary school level.

Heather Kent of Westbrook, the only undergraduate receiving the award, is pursuing a double major in geological sciences and secondary sciences education with a concentration in earth science.

Award recipients pursuing the master of arts in teaching degree with a concentration in secondary science are Kristi Carver, Beals Island; Michelle Gates, Orrington; Rhonda Houston, Brewer; and Joanna Lisker, Orono.

Award recipients pursuing the master of education in secondary science education degree are Jean Barry, Bangor; Christine Bertolaccini, Winslow; Teresa Dennison, Stockton Springs; Lynn Estabrooke, Stetson; Kelley Greene, Bangor; Jessica Henson, Orono and Katie Thompson, Lisbon.

The Robert Noyce Scholarship Program, named for a pioneer of semiconductor development and founder of the semiconductor industry, funds scholarships and stipends to encourage talented mathematics, science or engineering students and professionals to pursue careers in teaching.

The collaborative is a joint effort of math and science educators at UMaine, University of Southern Maine, UMaine at Farmington and Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance.