The National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals have awarded a series of scholarships to students around the country thanks to their Out To Innovate Student Scholarships. The awards are made possible by an Innovation Generation grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation. The recipients are students from universities in California, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania.

The scholarships are intended for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics programs who are LGBT or an active ally of the community.

Thomas Freitag, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, won the $5,000 undergraduate scholarship. He is a double major in neuroscience and psychology with minors in chemistry and social work. After graduation, Thomas plans to pursue a medical degree and a master’s in public health. He intends to work in psychiatry and public health policy focusing on issues affecting LGBT and associated communities and to conduct research on health disparities among underprivileged communities.

“I am honored to receive this scholarship,” said Freitag. “This support will allow me to continue pursuing my interest in LGBT-related issues within health care and STEM fields and emphasizing the importance of intersectionality in scientific research. I look forward to a career dedicated to promoting our communities’ visibility and equity thanks in part to the support of NOGLSTP.”

Christian Zimmerman won the $2,500 undergraduate scholarship. He was a full-time student at Towson University and was recently accepted into the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland where he will pursue a dual degree in physics and mechanical engineering.

“I am deeply appreciative to the NOGLSTP selections committee for awarding me this year’s Out to Innovate Undergraduate Scholarship,” said Zimmerman. “Having struggled for several years to support my education, I am enormously relieved to feel a large financial burden lifted. Furthermore, a lighter work schedule will allow me greater freedom to pursue developing my occupational and leadership skills through participation in a university leadership program. My goal is to take an active part in promoting the role of LGBT individuals in the STEM community.”

The winner of the $5,000 graduate scholarship is Patrick Martin-Tuite. He is studying and doing research and outreach through the Joint Medical Program of the University of California at Berkeley and the University of California at San Francisco.

“What an incredible honor to receive this scholarship,” said Martin-Tuite. “I accept this gift on behalf of the LGBT community that has embraced me and encouraged my professional and personal development, particularly my mentors within medicine. There remains urgent work to be done within the field of LGBT health, and with this vote of confidence I will continue to collaborate with others in the pursuit of better health outcomes for our communities.”

The $2,500 graduate scholarship winner is Noelle Fries. She is working on a master’s degree of public health in community health at the School of Public Health and Health Policy at the City University of New York.