Class of 2025 Cadets Selected as National Science Foundation Fellows

Cadets Benjamin Nguyen, Zoe Winston, and Michael Zhang have been awarded the 2025 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to pursue graduate research at leading institutions across the U.S. The fellowship is a highly competitive scholarship, and these cadets will join a talented cohort of 1,000 scholars across the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Their selection reflects West Point’s continued commitment to academic excellence and its investment in developing future leaders in scientific innovation and research.

About the Fellows

Cadet Benjamin Nguyen is an electrical engineering major from Fountain Valley, Calif., who will commission as an Army cyber officer this May. His research aims to increase electricity accessibility in developing countries through distributed microgrid networks. Outside of academics, Nguyen serves as the H-4 Company commander, is a two-time soccer brigade champion, and enjoys playing guitar. This fall, he will pursue a master’s degree in electrical engineering at Stanford, funded by the NSF GRFP.

“Thank you to my parents, mentors, the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department, and my friends for their unwavering belief in me. I owe everything that I’ve accomplished to their support, and I hope to make them and the Army proud at Stanford.”

Cadet Zoe Winston is a mathematical sciences major, passionate about biostatistics. Upon graduation, she will commission as an officer in the Adjutant General’s Corps. This fall, she will begin her master’s degree in biomedical data science at Stanford University on the Knight-Hennessey Scholarship. She plans to use the NSF GRFP to complete a doctoral degree in biostatistics later in her career. Her research focuses on the relationship between nutrition and maternal health, and she interned at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Winston leads the Math Forum, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. For her undergraduate work, she has been awarded the Stamps Scholarship and Astronaut Scholarship.

“I am incredibly honored to have won the NSF GRFP scholarship. This would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my mentors, family, and friends.” 

Cadet Michael Zhang is an operations research major from McLean, Va. He will commission as an Army field artillery officer this May. His research focuses on developing models to improve Army fleet readiness. Zhang has interned with the Artificial Intelligence Integration Center, where he explored time series regression to model fleet performance. He has continued to work with the agency throughout his thesis research, which investigates methods of integrating advanced predictive models into current maintenance practices via simulation. He has also served as a captain of the Army Men’s Tennis team and as company commander. This fall, he will use the NSF GRFP to pursue a master’s degree in data science at Harvard University.   

"I'm beyond grateful to have been awarded the NSF GRFP and for the opportunity to study at Harvard University. I'm excited to continue my research through this program. I'd like to thank my parents, teammates, and peers for the unbelievable amount of support they have given me."

About the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship

The National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship is awarded each year to top students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to pursue graduate study at U.S. colleges and universities. The fellowship provides up to three years of funding, with the intent of supporting a doctoral degree. Fellows are selected by a panel of NSF reviewers who evaluate rigorous technical research proposals and personal statements. Fellows must demonstrate the potential to provide significant intellectual merit in their field of study, and to broadly impact society by contributing to the strength of the scientific workforce in the U.S.

About the Technical Scholars Program

The Technical Scholars Program mentors and guides cadets in their pursuit of STEM-only undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships as they seek national and international honors for their performance. With over 240 scholarships and fellowships awarded, the Technical Scholars Program continues to fill the Army ranks with innovative leaders prepared for the challenges they will face throughout their careers. Learn more at https://www.westpoint.edu/academics/scholars-program/technical. 

About West Point

The U. S. Military Academy at West Point is a four-year, co-educational, federal service academy located 50 miles north of New York City. It was founded in 1802 as America's first college of engineering and continues today as the world’s premier leader-development institution, consistently ranked among top colleges in the country. Its mission is to build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation. For more information, go to www.westpoint.edu.