Awards & Scholarships

The Evelyn S. Frensley Student Award is given annually in the amount of $2,000 to two high school juniors in the Houston area. For the 2025 award, 2024-2025 school year Juniors are eligible to apply. Of special interest to the Museum review committee is a description of plans for college and future career and a description of projects or activities that demonstrate ability and interest in science or mathematics.

The application process can be completed by following the STUDENTS APPLY HERE link below.

As part of the award process, applicants are required to submit additional items: 1) two letters of recommendation based on academic merit, 2) a Curriculum Vitae or Resume; 3) your High School transcript, 4) A 500-word or less essay about plans for college and future career, 5) a 500-word or less description of a project or activity that best demonstrates ability and interest in science or mathematics.

To begin the application process, obtain the required documents and be prepared to upload as PDF documents during the online application process.

• PDF files of two letters of recommendation based on academic merit.
• PDF file of a Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
• PDF file of your High School transcript.
• PDF file of a 500-word or less essay about plans for college and future career.
• PDF file of a 500-word or less description of a project or activity that best demonstrates ability and interest in science or mathematics.

Judging Criteria

• Two letters of recommendation. Judges will be looking for unique and specific comments regarding the applicant.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume. Selection criteria include clarity and format, a range of non-academic interests, long-term dedication to activities and employment or volunteering
• High School transcript. Selection criteria include: grades, electives, and AP or IB credited courses.
• A 500-word or less essay about plans for college and future career. Selection criteria include: realistic, plan of action, connection from past to future, demonstrates original thought, uses correct grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.
• A 500-word or less description of a project or activity that best demonstrates ability and interest in science or mathematics. Selection criteria include: demonstrates ability and interest in science or mathematics, relevance to science or mathematics, effective communication, shows creativity and personality, and uses correct grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

The deadline for all submissions is September 1, 2025.

In recognition of the fine educators of Houston we also offer the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Teaching Excellence Award. This award of $2,000 will go to one K-5th grade science or math teacher and one 6th-12th grade science or math teacher who demonstrate significant ability and dedication to teaching in either discipline in the Houston area.

The application process can be completed by following the TEACHERS APPLY HERE link below.

As part of the award process, applicants are required to submit additional items: 1) Two letters of recommendation showing commitment to science or math education 2) a CV or Resume, 3) a 500 word or less description of your teaching philosophy and 4) a 500 word or less description of a specific classroom activity or teaching method that creates a love of math and science in your students.

To begin the application process, obtain the required documents and be prepared to upload as PDF documents during the online application process.

• PDF files of two letters of recommendation showing commitment to science or math education.
• PDF file of a Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
• PDF file of a 500-word or less description of your teaching philosophy.
• PDF file of a 500-word or less description of a specific classroom activity or teaching method that creates a love of math and science in your students.

Judging Criteria

• Two letters of recommendation. Judges will be looking for unique and specific comments regarding the applicant.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume. Selection criteria include: clarity, format, higher level degree, continuing education, extracurricular educational projects, and professional memberships.
• 500-word or less description of nominee’s teaching philosophy.  Selection criteria include: contemporary student-centered approach, measurable outcomes, differentiation, clarity, and format.
• 500-word or less description of a specific activity or teaching method that creates a love of math and science in your students. Selection criteria include: relevance to science or mathematics, demonstrates principles of science or mathematics, student assessment, and involves student problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and application.

The deadline for all submissions is September 1, 2025.

Daniella Barg is a senior at Emery/Weiner School whose passion for biology was sparked during the pandemic through a 7th-grade science assignment. This led her to pursue human biology, culminating in a genetics project for her Advanced Biology class where she advocated for the incorporation of CRISPR technology. Her team used CRISPR to “knockout” the lacZ gene in E. coli, demonstrating gene editing through a detailed presentation that included a visual model. Beyond academics, Daniella is an elite Epee fencer with an “A24” rating, achieving a top 10 national ranking and selection for the 2023-2024 USA Cadet Women’s Epee World Travel Team. She holds leadership roles as President and Co-Founder of the Art for a Cause Club and is a member of the National Honor Society. Daniella has also received the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her extensive volunteering. Fluent in Russian and skilled in piano and classical guitar, Daniella plans to pursue a career in clinical research focusing on the human microbiome. She aims to explore the connections between early hominids and modern humans and plans to earn a Ph.D. in cellular biology and genetics. Stacey McGee, Associate Director of College Counseling, describes her as one of the most outstanding students she has encountered in her 25 years of education.

Mia Wubbenhorst is a senior at Lamar High School in HISD, pursuing an International Baccalaureate Diploma. A top student, she excels in challenging IB courses and demonstrates a deep passion for science, particularly neuroscience. Her Biology teacher, Emily Watson, notes Mia’s genuine interest in topics and her ability to drive class discussions with higher-level questions. Mia’s fascination with the human brain began in freshman year when she researched Multiple Sclerosis. By junior year, she was taking both IB Biology and IB Psychology, where she collaborated on a project replicating Solomon Asch’s conformity experiment. Mia meticulously documented results and conducted a T-test analysis, revealing significant findings about group influence on conformity. Her extracurricular activities include serving as Captain of the Color Guard, participating in the Lamar Band, volunteering as a Junior Zookeeper at the Houston Zoo, and holding leadership roles in the Neuroscience Club and National Honor Society. Mia plans to attend Tulane, UT Austin, Rice, TCU, or another in-state university, aiming to conduct brain research and eventually pursue graduate or medical school to become a neuroscientist, neurologist, or radiologist. Her goal is to better understand the nervous system to help diagnose and treat related disorders.

Sydney Berenzweig is a 6th-grade science teacher in Alvin ISD, known for her engaging classroom filled with 30 “class pets.” She models compassion and engagement while caring for the animals. Her students are more inclined to make good choices because they have an opportunity to interact with the animals. This interactive environment fosters curiosity and encourages students to participate. Ms. Berenzweig demonstrates compassion and support, particularly for students with disabilities, sharing her own experience with dyslexia to promote resilience and self-acceptance. She uses differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring all students remain engaged and challenged. Her hands-on activities, like the “Starburst Rock Cycle,” make complex scientific concepts accessible. Colleagues note her ability to create a supportive yet rigorous atmosphere, resulting in increased student enthusiasm and achievement in science. In addition to teaching, Ms. Berenzweig has received Academic Distinction Honors for her presentation at a STEM conference in Kenya and actively volunteers, including for the Special Olympics. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Sam Houston State University.

Olivia Watson has 16 years of teaching experience and has been a Gifted and Talented teacher at Roosevelt Alexander Elementary in Katy ISD since 2017. Her educational approach focuses on sparking curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through engaging, real-world experiences. Mrs. Watson fosters a collaborative classroom environment where every student’s unique strengths contribute to shared learning. Her interactive, inquiry-based activities deeply engage students, such as a parachute design project that incorporates scientific concepts like air resistance and mathematical skills through measurements. She emphasizes hands-on learning, guiding students in creative problem-solving and teamwork. A former student recalls impactful projects, including a mini-business venture that taught financial skills and budgeting, highlighting how Mrs. Watson ignited their interest in STEM. Mrs. Watson’s teaching philosophy centers on nurturing a lifelong love of learning and ensuring every student thrives. She organizes STEM nights to connect students with the community and is dedicated to professional development, presenting strategies for supporting gifted and neurodivergent students. Recognized for her creativity and commitment, she believes learning should be engaging and accessible to all, leaving a lasting impact on her students and school community.