NEWS INDEX Archives 2005 March

Four U. of I. students win Goldwater Scholarships

Jeff Unger, News Bureau
217-333-1085

3/28/05

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Four students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have been named Goldwater Scholars for the 2005-2006 academic year.

The students are among 320 winners nationwide. The scholarships are given to sophomores and juniors from the United States on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,091 mathematics, science, and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide.

The one and two year scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

The U. of I. recipients:

Laura G. Book of Urbana, who is majoring in physics and mathematics. She intends to pursue a doctorate in astrophysics and then conduct research or teach at a national laboratory or at the university level with an emphasis on theoretical astrophysics.

Guy Bresler of Urbana, who is majoring in electrical engineering and engineering physics. He intends to pursue a doctorate in electrical engineering and then conduct research at the research university level focusing on wireless communication, coding theory, cryptography or all three.

Daniel V. Dorris of Leroy, who is majoring in engineering physics. He intends to pursue a doctorate in theoretical physics and then become a professor of physics at a major research university.

Andrew G. McCormick of Charleston, who is majoring in physics and mathematics. He intends to pursue a doctorate in physics and then conduct research in quantum mechanical physics with an emphasis on discoveries to help engineer new devices and procedures.

The Goldwater Foundation is a federally endowed agency established in 1986. The scholarship program honoring Sen. Barry M. Goldwater of Arizona was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering.

In its 17-year history, the foundation has awarded 4,562 scholarships worth approximately $45 millions. The trustees plan to award about 300 scholarships for the 2006-2007 academic year.