--- title: Dordt University sophomore selected as Noyce Scholar and research intern date: 2025-04-16T09:05:00-05:00 author: Jennifer Vermeer canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-sophomore-selected-as-noyce-scholar-and-research-intern" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Academics](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=academics) [Education](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=education) [Research and Scholarship](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=research-and-scholarship) Apr 16, 2025 # Dordt University sophomore selected as Noyce Scholar and research intern Ada Smies, a sophomore at Dordt University studying secondary STEM education, has been named a Noyce Scholar. She will also serve as an intern in the university’s Gibson Research Lab. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-M4sKC2h-X2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.599-0.5169&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=d0986990&v=74d1591e2062a827fdeb480f4f474cc946656cd819cee00798dcfe633bedf4ca) ![]()Ada Smies, a sophomore secondary education major from Waupun, Wisconsin, has been selected as a Noyce Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year. Smies has also accepted a Noyce internship at Alma College in Alma, Michigan. Funded by the National Science Foundation, Alma College’s Research Experiences in STEM Settings (RESS) ten-week summer program offers undergraduate STEM students preparing to become high school science teachers an opportunity to conduct mentored research while developing classroom-ready lesson plans inspired by their work. Smies will be working in the [Gibson Research Lab](https://sites.google.com/alma.edu/nsf-ress/about/people-projects/dr-gibsons-group) with another undergraduate student intern. “Our goal is to increase the possible crystalline structures of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with thiolated DNA (DNA with a thiol group attached) by reimagining the crystallization process,” says Smies. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-czjTKS5-X2.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=d518882d&v=194b1b2b77c3173d0b171e0f0b955d0f9e35b01b033879ed235ef2924852337f) Through the [Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship](https://www.dordt.edu/noyce-scholars) program, Dordt has been working to equip more teachers for high-needs STEM areas. “Being selected as a Noyce Scholar distinguishes a student's resume,” says Dr. Valorie Zonnefeld, professor of mathematics and principal investigator on the Noyce Grant at Dordt. “This internship continues that and provides research experience with an intentional focus on how to translate it into the K-12 classroom.” As part of her RESS internship, Smies will also be able to present her work to other scholars. Zonnefeld highlights that conference participation is a key aspect of professional development, helping future teachers gain the knowledge and skills essential for effective teaching. “Along with internships, Noyce scholars have opportunities to attend conferences on STEM teaching,” says Zonnefeld. “These conferences have been influential in the development of the fantastic STEM teachers we have graduated from the Noyce program.” “Being selected as a Noyce scholar means that I have more opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of my content areas while exploring research-based strategies to create learning opportunities for my future students,” adds Smies. “It’s a blessing to have these experiences as I develop as a teacher.” --- **About Dordt University** As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-PMjGWXz-X3.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=8886c93c&v=3bf92ff45cf141b02ba6dabae9c4b03c766bcb812fb86c68468f75542f430a6a) Events Music Apr 17, 2025 ## Dordt University's Music department hosts spring concerts featuring choral and instrumental ensembles Dordt University will hold a series of music ensemble concerts on May 1 and 2, highlighting performances by the Music department's choral and instrumental ensembles. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-universitys-music-department-hosts-spring-concerts-featuring-choral-and-instrumental-ensembles) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/DSC_6925.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=f7804292&v=e7bdd26422b7d5e30d6b015512c50a5ed460c7c0db67e3a94a00f677bc4b153c) Campus Events Apr 15, 2025 ## Dordt University to celebrate class of 2025 with two commencement ceremonies Dordt University will celebrate its graduating students with undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies on May 9. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-to-celebrate-class-of-2025-with-two-commencement-ceremonies) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 19 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-19) Aug 20 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-20) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>