Jakob Nielsen, a senior in mechanical engineering at Montana Technological University, has just received two impressive research fellowships. He’s been awarded the 2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP) and the Richard and Peggy Notebaert Premier Fellowship from the University of Notre Dame.
“Jakob has shown remarkable commitment to his studies and research,” says Dr. Marisa Pedulla, chair of Montana Tech’s National Student Awards Committee. “He actively pursued competitive funding and has been nominated for multiple scholarships. His research experiences have set him up for a bright future.”
Dr. Richard LaDouceur, head of Mechanical Engineering, notes, “It’s been rewarding to support Jakobs’s goals. He has covered a broad range of topics and is transitioning into nuclear engineering, demonstrating his adaptability.”
The NSF GRFP offers three years of financial support with annual stipends of $37,000. This program aims to strengthen the U.S. science and engineering workforce.
Meanwhile, the Notebaert Fellowship targets the top 1% of doctoral candidates at Notre Dame, providing stipends ranging from $46,000 to $48,000, depending on the program.
“I feel honored to receive these awards,” Jakob shares. “The NSF GRFP is highly competitive. These fellowships will help me in my Ph.D. journey and beyond.”
Jakob’s journey began back in high school when the pandemic spurred him to seek research opportunities. He connected with Dr. Jack Skinner, who later invited him to join the Montana Tech Nanotechnology Laboratory (MTNL). This lab houses over $5 million in advanced equipment.
“Seeing Jakob grow over the years has been amazing,” Dr. Skinner remarks. “He is committed to enhancing his critical thinking and problem-solving skills. His dedication is a testament to what we offer at Montana Tech.”
By the time he started college, Jakob was already delving into independent research. At MTNL, he worked on projects in bioengineering and mineral recovery, all while pursuing national research opportunities. In 2025, he attended the Nuclear Chemistry Summer School at Brookhaven National Laboratory. This competitive program delved into nuclear physics and helped solidify his career path.
“That experience clarified my goals,” Jakob recalls. “Connecting with researchers nationwide was invaluable.”
After a yearlong internship with NorthWestern Energy, he gained insights into the struggles of the nation’s power grid. This experience fueled his passion for nuclear energy as a solution to rising energy demands. “With the rapid growth in technology, nuclear energy could be vital for meeting future energy needs,” he asserts.
Jakob’s proposed graduate research aims to enhance nuclear energy sustainability, focusing on fuel recycling and waste reduction. He credits Montana Tech’s hands-on approach and mentor support for his success. “Larger universities don’t offer the same opportunities for early research and relationship-building,” he emphasizes.
In addition to his fellowships, Jakob is a 2026 valedictorian and recipient of the Chester H. Steele Award, honoring the top graduating engineering student. He’s also the 2026 Gold Medal Award winner from the Montana Society of Engineers.
After completing his Ph.D., Jakob is contemplating various paths—working at a national lab, returning to teach, or starting a nuclear energy company. He is grateful for the unwavering support from his family throughout his journey. “They always believe that hard work pays off,” he reflects.
As Jakob looks back, he encourages other students to be proactive. “Focused effort can lead you far. Don’t hesitate to reach out for opportunities,” he advises.
