Awards & Scholarships

The Evelyn S. Frensley Student Award is given annually in the amount of $3,000 to two high school juniors in the Houston area. in the Houston area. For the 2026 award, students who are juniors during the 2025–2026 school year (Class of 2027) are eligible to apply. Of special interest to the Museum review committee is a description of plans for college and future career and a description of projects or activities that demonstrate ability and interest in science or mathematics.

The application process can be completed by following the STUDENTS APPLY HERE link below.

As part of the award process, applicants are required to submit additional items: 1) two letters of recommendation based on academic merit, 2) a Curriculum Vitae or Resume; 3) your High School transcript, 4) A 500-word or less essay about plans for college and future career, 5) a 500-word or less description of a project or activity that best demonstrates ability and interest in science or mathematics.

To begin the application process, obtain the required documents and be prepared to upload as PDF documents during the online application process.

• PDF files of two letters of recommendation based on academic merit.
• PDF file of a Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
• PDF file of your High School transcript.
• PDF file of a 500-word or less essay about plans for college and future career.
• PDF file of a 500-word or less description of a project or activity that best demonstrates ability and interest in science or mathematics.

Judging Criteria

• Two letters of recommendation. Judges will be looking for unique and specific comments regarding the applicant.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume. Selection criteria include clarity and format, a range of non-academic interests, long-term dedication to activities and employment or volunteering
• High School transcript. Selection criteria include: grades, electives, and AP or IB credited courses.
• A 500-word or less essay about plans for college and future career. Selection criteria include: realistic, plan of action, connection from past to future, demonstrates original thought, uses correct grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.
• A 500-word or less description of a project or activity that best demonstrates ability and interest in science or mathematics. Selection criteria include: demonstrates ability and interest in science or mathematics, relevance to science or mathematics, effective communication, shows creativity and personality, and uses correct grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

The deadline for all submissions is September 1, 2026.

In recognition of the fine educators of Houston we also offer the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Teaching Excellence Award. This award of $3,000 will go to one K-5th grade science or math teacher and one 6th-12th grade science or math teacher who demonstrate significant ability and dedication to teaching in either discipline in the Houston area.

The application process can be completed by following the TEACHERS APPLY HERE link below.

As part of the award process, applicants are required to submit additional items: 1) Two letters of recommendation showing commitment to science or math education 2) a CV or Resume, 3) a 500 word or less description of your teaching philosophy and 4) a 500 word or less description of a specific classroom activity or teaching method that creates a love of math and science in your students.

To begin the application process, obtain the required documents and be prepared to upload as PDF documents during the online application process.

• PDF files of two letters of recommendation showing commitment to science or math education.
• PDF file of a Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
• PDF file of a 500-word or less description of your teaching philosophy.
• PDF file of a 500-word or less description of a specific classroom activity or teaching method that creates a love of math and science in your students.

Judging Criteria

• Two letters of recommendation. Judges will be looking for unique and specific comments regarding the applicant.
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume. Selection criteria include: clarity, format, higher level degree, continuing education, extracurricular educational projects, and professional memberships.
• 500-word or less description of nominee’s teaching philosophy.  Selection criteria include: contemporary student-centered approach, measurable outcomes, differentiation, clarity, and format.
• 500-word or less description of a specific activity or teaching method that creates a love of math and science in your students. Selection criteria include: relevance to science or mathematics, demonstrates principles of science or mathematics, student assessment, and involves student problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and application.

The deadline for all submissions is September 1, 2026.

Jordan Muscal, a senior in the Creative Writing Department at Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) in HISD. An AP Scholar with Distinction, she has earned Excellency Awards in Spanish Language and Culture and Honors English II. Jordan has received multiple Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, including a Gold Key, two Silver Keys, and two Honorable Mentions, and attended the prestigious Kenyon Young Writers Workshop. Blending her passion for science and writing, Jordan spent three summers conducting cancer biology research at Texas Children’s Hospital under Dr. Pavel Sumazin. She progressed from literature reviews on acute myeloid leukemia to independent research, mastering RNA extraction, cell culture, and cryopreservation techniques, and creating a lab handbook for new members. At HSPVA, Jordan serves as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and vice president of the National Honor Society. She plans to study both science and writing in college, with the goal of bridging research, public health, and communication to make scientific discoveries more accessible to all.

Miranda Wang, a senior at Bellaire High School in HISD, where her passion for science, technology, and discovery drives her academic and extracurricular success. As Co-Captain and Chief Product Engineer of Bellaire’s Robotics Team, she helped lead the team to its first state competition in 17 years and founded STEMBotics Summer Camp, teaching robotics, programming, CAD, and 3D printing to students ages 9–15. Miranda is a two-time Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award recipient, Scholastic Art & Writing Award honoree, and Business Professionals of America national silver medalist in Ethical Leadership. Her research spans quantum engineering through Harvard and MIT’s QuERY program and biomedical aging studies at Baylor College of Medicine’s Huffington Center on Aging. There, she analyzed oxidative stress using fluorescent microscopy, developed a Python imaging pipeline, and presented her findings at the BRITE Research Symposium. Miranda co-authored Toward Precision Longevity: Aging Interventions in the Single-Cell Atlas Era and plans to pursue biomedical engineering and global health to design innovative, accessible health solutions and advance longevity research worldwide.

Michael Vu has been a 1st–4th grade science teacher at The Kinkaid Lower School since 2015. His inquiry-based approach inspires curiosity, creativity, and confidence through hands-on, multidisciplinary learning. From coding and greenhouse projects to model-building and experiments, his students actively explore scientific principles while developing critical thinking and collaboration skills. Mr. Vu’s classroom emphasizes discovery over memorization—students ask questions, test ideas, and analyze outcomes through journals, lab reports, projects, and reflections. Differentiated lessons and open-ended challenges allow every child to learn at their own pace and showcase understanding through writing, presentations, and digital creations. A highlight of his curriculum is the annual Egg Drop Challenge, where fourth graders design protective containers using a point-based budget system, integrating physics, math, engineering, and teamwork. Through this engaging project, students strengthen their problem-solving and data analysis skills while connecting abstract concepts to real-world experiences. Mr. Vu’s ultimate goal is for every student to leave his classroom seeing themselves as capable, curious scientists who approach the world with persistence, creativity, and wonder.

Annette Tsong has taught Biology at Lamar High School in HISD since graduating from Rice University in 2022. Her teaching philosophy centers on developing the whole student—academically, socially, and emotionally—and fostering curiosity, perseverance, and critical thinking. She creates an inclusive, inquiry-based classroom where every learner feels supported and challenged to grow. Ms. Tsong designs differentiated lessons that anticipate misconceptions, provide scaffolds for mastery, and offer extension opportunities for advanced learners. Students demonstrate understanding through projects, discussions, and visual or written assessments, while peer coaching and small-group interventions deepen comprehension and communication skills. One of her signature lessons, the “Homer Homeostasis Lab,” engages students in a hands-on simulation of how organisms maintain equilibrium. Through data collection, analysis, and reflection, students connect abstract biological concepts to real-world processes while strengthening scientific reasoning. Beyond her classroom, Ms. Tsong is a collaborative campus leader who delivers professional development on integrating technology and aligning curriculum across grade levels. Her dedication to inquiry, empathy, and excellence empowers students to see themselves as capable scientists and compassionate thinkers prepared to impact the world