Empowering Women in Science: 25 Female Students Receive Dr. Casey Whittaker Endowment Scholarships
The Dr. Casey Whittaker Endowment Fund has awarded scholarships to 25 female students pursuing Physics and related science programmes at the College of Science, KNUST, reinforcing efforts to promote women's participation, academic advancement and leadership in the sciences.
This year's awards mark the largest number of beneficiaries supported by the Fund in a single year since its establishment. Each student received GH¢3,500 to assist with tuition and other educational expenses.
Established in 1997, the Fund made its first award in 1998, supporting one female Physics student annually. Over the past 28 years, it has grown steadily, expanding its reach across Physics and related science disciplines.
This year's beneficiaries comprise 16 undergraduate Physics students, four each from Levels 100 to 400, alongside four MPhil Geophysics students, one MPhil Nuclear Science and Technology student, two MPhil Materials Science students and two students in Mathematical and Computational Physics.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Head of the Department of Physics, Prof. Kofi Ampong, described the Fund as a transformative initiative that has strengthened the Department while supporting generations of female scientists.
He noted that several beneficiaries have progressed from undergraduate studies to postgraduate education and have gone on to become lecturers and faculty members, demonstrating the Fund's long-term impact.
A representative of the Board of Trustees attributed the Fund's expansion to its sustainability and enduring impact. Reflecting on its growth, he likened the initiative to a mustard seed that has matured into a tree capable of supporting many.
While affirming the Fund's sustainability, he disclosed plans to establish an alumni mentorship platform through which former beneficiaries can guide and support current awardees, strengthening the network of women pursuing careers in science.
Highlighted the broader role of Physics in national development, he encouraged the beneficiaries to become ambassadors for the discipline and to "push the fire of Physics wherever they may find themselves," inspiring more young women to pursue careers in Physics and related scientific fields.
He further observed that visible female role models are essential in addressing the gender imbalance that persists in disciplines such as Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry, particularly for girls at the secondary school level.
The Acting Vice Dean of the Faculty of Physical and Computational Sciences commended the managers of the Endowment Fund for their sustained commitment, noting that the 2026 awards exceeded GH¢80,000 in total value.
Now in its 29th year of operation, the Dr. Casey Whittaker Endowment Fund continues to expand opportunities for female students to pursue science education with reduced financial barriers.
