North Star Dreamers Memorial Scholarship Fund

Dr. Jeremy Michael Higgins was a rising star scientist, entrepreneur, and inventor, before tragically passing away at the age of 39. He studied Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and received his PH.D. in Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He began his career as a chemist at Brady Corporation in Wisconsin and then spent years as a research scientist for 3M in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. He was very proud of publishing 20 patents for thermally conductive materials and traveled the world during his time at 3M. In March 2021, he stepped away from 3M and returned to the Chicagoland area to pursue a dream. He started a 3D printing company, Ursa Labs, LLC, which operated in Woodridge, IL. He found so much joy working with his hands and making items to share and sell with others - to “help science past the lab and into the hands of people.” He invested his time, finances…everything… into this passion. As an entrepreneur, he faced the challenges many small businesses face and unfortunately had to close Ursa Labs, LLC in November 2022. Jeremy was devoted to education and knowledge and loved helping and encouraging young minds to follow their dreams - their “North Star”. This scholarship aims to honor Jeremy’s life by financially supporting students that pursue a future in science, entrepreneurship, or invention.