Three Marietta College students traveled to the Ohio Statehouse in February to present their work at the Statehouse Scholars Showcase, joining peers from colleges and universities across Ohio in highlighting research, academic achievement, and career preparation made possible through the state’s Choose Ohio First (COF) scholarship program.
For Ruthanne Redman, Gabriella Davison, and Adrienne Hammontree, the showcase was more than a single educational event in the capital city. It marked the culmination of years of scholarship support, academic work, and hands-on learning experiences completed during their time at Marietta. Now, as graduates of the Class of 2026, they represent the impact of a program that has supported STEM student success at the College for more than a decade.
As Marietta celebrates the accomplishments of these recent graduates, the College is also looking ahead. In May, the Ohio Department of Higher Education awarded Marietta College $268,466 through the Choose Ohio First program, providing scholarship funding for future students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other STEM-related fields. Marietta was one of 59 institutions statewide to receive funding through the latest round of awards. The funding will help ensure future students have access to the same opportunities that shaped the experiences of Redman, Davison, Hammontree, and fellow Pioneers.
Redman, who earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, said the COF scholarship served as a safety net that helped make her Marietta education possible. As a recipient, she was able to participate in research and experiential learning opportunities that complemented her academic studies.
“The Choose Ohio First scholarship made it possible for me to stay at Marietta,” Redman said. “Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to continue my education. It helped reduce stress over tuition payments so I could focus on my studies and research.”
Redman presented her research, “The Dependence of Neurotransmitter on pH for Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer,” which explored how pH influences the behavior of neurotransmitters similar to dopamine. The project, completed with faculty mentor Dr. Debra Egolf, represented years of coursework and undergraduate research supported by the COF program.
“I’ve always had a love for science and learning,” Redman said. “Through the Choose Ohio First program, I was able to continue learning and developing skills in chemistry and biology.”
One of the most meaningful aspects of the program, Redman said, has been the opportunity to connect with fellow scholars pursuing a wide range of interests and goals.
“I would encourage other students to apply because the scholarship helped me a lot,” Redman said. “I would also encourage other students to get to know their peers who also have the scholarship, because it is always so interesting to hear about what other people have been able to accomplish through this program.”
Since graduating from Marietta, Redman has secured a full-time position as a laboratory technician at Wood, based in Hebron, Ohio.
For Davison, the COF experience extended beyond the classroom through research opportunities and an internship that helped prepare her for a career in technology.
Davison, who earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science, said the scholarship helped make college feel attainable at a time when she was unsure whether pursuing higher education would be possible.
“Choose Ohio First showed me that continuing my education was the right choice,” Davison said. “Receiving the scholarship gave me hope that college wouldn’t feel so out of reach. I didn’t have to worry so much about the cost and could put my all into my education instead.”
During her time at Marietta, Davison completed an information technology internship with the Washington County Health Department, gaining practical experience that she highlighted during her presentation at the Statehouse Scholars Showcase. The internship reflected the program’s emphasis on work-based learning, a requirement for all COF scholars.
According to Davison, one of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to connect with other STEM students from across Ohio, noting that she’s kept in contact with a few of the students she met at the showcase.
“I would encourage potential students to heavily consider this scholarship. The STEM field can be daunting, but Choose Ohio First assists with the financial burden and encourages students to participate in research and internships. Choose Ohio First wants to help students and see them succeed,” Davison said.
Davison currently serves as a desktop support analyst for Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., based in Hilliard, Ohio.
Also representing Marietta College at the Statehouse was Adrienne Hammontree, whose experience is yet another example of the diverse academic and professional pathways supported through the program.
Hammontree, who earned Bachelor of Science degrees in planetary science and geology, presented research titled “Comparative Petrologic Analysis of Potential Noritic Diogenites to Yamato Type B Diogenites.”
“The Choose Ohio First Scholarship greatly impacted my educational journey by easing the burden of paying for college,” Hammontree said. “Their support allowed me to focus more on taking classes, conducting research, and presenting at national conferences.”
Over the course of her time at Marietta, Hammontree participated in research opportunities that deepened her interest in planetary geology, helping prepare her for graduate study and future research in the field. From exploring the glacial groves in Kelleys Island to the conglomerate cliffs of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, she gained firsthand experience studying Ohio’s rich geologic history.
“Conducting research over the past few years has been a blast,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to have had great support systems like the Marietta College community and the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, which allowed me to pursue a career in planetary geology research.”
Reflecting on her experience, Hammontree encourages prospective students to apply to the scholarship program and to take advantage of the additional opportunities it offers. In addition to financial support, she said the program provides opportunities to present research, travel to the Statehouse, and connect with other students who are invested in their education.
She is currently exploring graduate school opportunities as she pursues a career in planetary geology.
Together, the experiences of Redman, Davison, and Hammontree illustrate how Choose Ohio First has supported Marietta students through scholarships, research, internships, and career preparation.
Marietta College has participated in the COF program since 2011 and has received multiple awards through the state-funded initiative, which is designed to strengthen Ohio’s competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by increasing the number of students pursuing STEM-related careers. In addition to scholarship assistance, the program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, undergraduate research, and other work-based learning opportunities. All COF scholars complete at least one structured work-based learning experience intended to connect classroom learning with future career goals.
At Marietta, those efforts are supported through a network of faculty mentors and campus resources anchored by the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success. The College’s latest proposal outlines coordinated academic advising, tutoring, writing support, accessibility services, career coaching, wellness resources, and individualized student engagement aimed at helping scholars persist and succeed throughout their academic journeys.
“The renewal of the Choose Ohio First Scholarship is critical to Marietta College’s ability to recruit, retain, and graduate Ohio’s future STEM workforce,” said Michelle Jeitler, Academic Program Director for the Center for Appalachian Innovation and director of Marietta’s Choose Ohio First program. “Beyond financial support, the program creates pathways to internships, research experiences, and careers that strengthen both our institution and the economic vitality of Ohio.”
Jeitler said the number of students benefiting from the scholarship has continued to grow over the years, along with the diversity of academic programs represented among recipients. The program's emphasis on internships, research, and other work-based learning experiences aligns with the College’s commitment to helping students graduate with practical experience and professional connections before entering the workforce.
The newly awarded funding will support 10 new scholarships annually and approximately 40 students over the next four years. The scholarships supplement existing institutional aid and help reduce financial barriers for Ohio students pursuing STEM degrees, allowing Marietta to expand access while continuing to support student success and degree completion.
According to the College’s Choose Ohio First proposal, 51.9% of Marietta students graduate in STEM disciplines, exceeding the national average. The newest award will support students pursuing degrees in fields including Health Sciences, Petroleum Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Physics, Physician Assistant Studies, Cybersecurity, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
The College’s proposal also notes that COF funding is matched by institutional support and is intended to expand access, strengthen retention, and increase degree completion in fields aligned with Ohio’s workforce needs.
As Marietta College prepares to welcome its next group of Choose Ohio First scholars, the accomplishments of Redman, Davison, and Hammontree offer a glimpse into what those future students may achieve. Their experiences reflect the impact of a program that expanded opportunities for Ohio students and will continue creating pathways for future generations of Pioneers through the College’s newest award.