The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship was formed to ensure the vitality of the scientific and technological workforce in the United States and to reinforce its diversity by recognizing and supporting outstanding graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees. NSF fellows are expected to become knowledgeable experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. The Graduate Research Fellowship stipend is $30,000 for a 12-month period, with a $10,500 cost-of-education allowance per year. All awards are for a maximum of three years usable over a five-year period.

As an undergraduate, Kiesewetter started a research program, and as a result he has co-authored six publications, five of which are published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society under the guidance of Dr. Cheryl Stevenson, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry. One of his articles, co-authored with Dr. Stevenson and Dr. Richard Reiter, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, was designated “Editor’s Choice” in Science Magazine.

Kiesewetter began ISU as a Presidential Scholar in fall 2001 after graduating valedictorian from Bloomington High School. He graduated from ISU Summa Cum Laude with college and departmental honors in December 2004, and is currently taking graduate classes and conducting research. While at ISU, Kiesewetter served as laboratory coordinator for Chemistry 102 for two years and is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Sigma Xi, both professional organizations for chemists/scientists. Kiesewetter was also named the Robert G. Bone Scholar (2004), ACS Heartland Chapter Student of the Year (2004), Future Alumni Leader (2005), and served as the treasurer and president of the Illinois State University ACS Student Chapter.