Gatton Academy Students, Alumna Honored in Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program
April 12, 2012 | Academics, Alumni, News, People, Research, Student Success, Students, WKU | No Comments
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Since 2006, WKU has led the state in recognition by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. This year, WKU placed among the top producers of Goldwater Scholars in the nation.
Michael Crocker, a second-year student in the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science from Bowling Green,; and Clarice Esch, an agriculture major and Gatton Academy alumna from Somerset, received scholarships to continue original research.
Lukas Missik, also a second-year student in the Gatton Academy from Danville, received an Honorable Mention in the national competition. Charles “Chadd” Coomer, a biology and chemistry double-major from Louisville, was WKU’s third award winner this year. Universities may nominate up to four students each year.
The students’ success stems from the emphasis placed on undergraduate research at WKU and in the Gatton Academy. Goldwater Scholars are selected based on their academic performance and potential for a research career.
“These students should be commended for demonstrating their future potential effectively through their outstanding research essays and research productivity to date,” said Dr. Kevin Williams, Goldwater faculty representative and associate professor of chemistry.
Each of the students worked closely with their mentors and the Office of Scholar Development to develop cogent applications, submitting numerous drafts over the course of several weeks. “The faculty who have effectively mentored these students in research and the classroom should be applauded for their efforts,” Dr. Williams said.
Established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to recognize the former senator from Arizona, the scholarship program identifies and honors students who excel in and are pursuing research careers in the sciences, mathematics and engineering. Winners receive $7,500 annually with which they can pay for undergraduate tuition, fees, books and room and board.
WKU is one of 24 institutions where each scholar nominated was recognized by the program. Out of more than 1,100 applicants nationwide, only 282 were selected as scholars and fewer than 200 others received Honorable Mention recognition.
WKU President Gary A. Ransdell commended the students on their willingness to take on ambitious research projects.
“The success these students demonstrate through this recognition shows what can happen when you pair excellent students with a caring, wonderful faculty and the support system available at WKU,” he said. “This is a tribute to their hard work and determination and the guidance and support of their faculty mentors.”