A dozen College of Science students, intending to minor in the arts, received the 2025-2026 Mars Science Plus Scholarship, which promotes exploration and helps offset the students’ educational costs.
Made possible by a $2 million gift from John and Adrienne Mars to the College of Science, the scholarship is designed to help science students broaden their education to incorporate studies in humanities or fine arts. The gift also supports student exploration of majors and research opportunities.
The 12 College of Fine Arts students are part of the 23-person Mars Science Plus Scholars cohort. The 12 scholars shared how artistic study strengthens their scientific work.
Add It Up: Math and Arts
Two math majors describe the arts as a powerful communication tool—and a natural companion to analytical thinking.
- “Math and music are both universal languages that I’ve grown to love,” said Samden Bottorf. He sees music theory as a window into the mathematical structure of sound: “I hope to keep exploring this connection between logic and expression.”
- Tae Cooper, founder of the nonprofit Barrio STEM, believes an Arts Administration minor will help her reach broader audiences: “It will strengthen my ability to communicate mathematical concepts to more diverse communities.”
The Brain, Behavior, and the Arts
Three Neuroscience and Cognitive Science majors illustrate how artistic practice supports empathy, creativity, and future careers in medicine or storytelling.
- Caitlin Estrada hopes to connect narrative medicine with scientific inquiry: “Music has shaped my journey, enhancing my work in science, culture, and mental health.”
- Savannah Trost pairs neuroscience with visual storytelling: “My passion for visual storytelling and curiosity about the brain drive me to explore both fields, opening doors to a versatile and fulfilling career.”
- Ella Wiegand says music gives her confidence and teamwork skills essential for her future as a physician: “A music minor will enrich my worldview and allow me to share the joy of music through both medicine and human connection.”
Computing and creative expression
Computer Science students describe the arts as both an inspiration and a practical asset.
- Autumn Gilley, a computer science and astronomy double major wants to minor in music to blend creativity with programming: “These passions enhance my work in app and game development and provide balance and inspiration beyond the technical world.”
- Wyatt Butler is passionate about science and tech, but it is film editing that has sparked his creativity: “A minor in Film and TV will … bring fresh perspective to my work in cyber security and computer science.”
Expressing scientific wonder
Physics and astronomy students see the arts as a way to express scientific wonder.
- Snigdha Keshari blends science and art through fusion poetry to make complex ideas more relatable: “ I study the physics that binds the cosmos and the arts that bind our stories—because only through both can we glimpse the greater meaning of our existence.”
- Jane Mocko connects dance and physics through movement: “Dance builds discipline, focus, and joy, while physics deepens my understanding of movement.”
Connection and communication
Students drawn to education, healthcare, and public engagement describe the arts as essential to their future professions.
- Jack Noblitt, majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology, loves both biology and theatre: “one fueling my curiosity, the other my creativity. A theatre minor will help … (make) me a more well-rounded and expressive scientist.”
- Kassie Porter, a Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences major, says theater strengthens her ability to engage young learners: “Minoring in Theatre Arts will strengthen the communication and creative skills I need as a future speech pathologist. It will also help me engage children through storytelling and expression.”
Exploring Identity and Culture
- Aiden Anulao is focused on law and psychology but has always loved art and meaningful connection: “A minor in Art History or Africana Studies would … (enrich) my understanding of culture and identity.”
2025-2026 Mars Scholar Plus recipients
Listed with their intended majors and minors, beginning with College of Fine Arts students.
- Aiden Anulao … Major: Psychology | Minor: Africana Studies or Art History
- Samden Bottorf … Major: Mathematics | Minor: Music
- Wyatt Butler … Major: Computer Science | Minor: Film & Television
- Tae Cooper … Major: Mathematics | Minor: Arts Administration
- Caitlin Estrada … Major: Neuroscience/Cognitive Science | Minor: Music
- Autumn Gilley … Major: Computer Science/Astronomy | Minor: Music
- Snigdha Keshari … Astronomy/Physics | Arts Administration
- Jane Mocko … Major: Physics | Minor: Dance
- Jack Noblitt … Major: Molecular/Cellular Biology | Minor: Theatre Arts
- Kassie Porter, Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences / Theatre Arts
- Savannah Trost, Neuroscience/Cognitive Science / Film & Television
- Ella Wiegand, Neuroscience/Cognitive Science / Music
- Pema Anain … Major: Biology | Minor: Religious Studies for Health Professionals
- Sophia Diponio … Major: Neuroscience and Cognitive Science | Minor: Spanish
- Lucas Grisham … Major: Neuroscience and Cognitive Science | Minor: Interdisciplinary Studies
- Claire Lloyd … Major: Astronomy | Minor: Spanish
- Ian McCormack … Major: Mathematics | Minor: Chinese Language
- Isla Mendiola … Major: Psychological Science | Minor: Religious Studies for Health Professionals
- Maia Nguyen … Major: Astronomy and Physics | Minor: Religious Studies for Health Professionals
- Samantha Osborne … Major: Biochemistry | Minor: French
- Kimberly Bassoco Payan … Major: Biochemistry | Minor: Humanities
- Swathi Premkumar … Major: Molecular & Cellular Biology | Minor: Spanish
- Amanda Wiley … Major: Biology | Minor: Religious Studies for Health Professionals