ATHENS, Ohio -- Three Ohio University students have been named Barry M. Goldwater Scholars for the 2003-04 school year. Juniors Jessica Benson, Kimberly Borley and Natalie Kruse were three of the 300 undergraduate students chosen from a field of 1,093 nominees nationwide, joining the six other Ohio University students receiving the award since its inception in 1986.
Benson, Borley and Kruse -- three of the 139 women receiving the award -- will each receive up to $7,500 from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship towards tuition, fees, books and room and board.
Benson, an Honors Tutorial College student and engineering physics major from McKeesport, Pa., plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in bioengineering and biophysics research. She hopes to conduct research in biological processes such as photosynthesis, tissue growth and cell signaling, as well as creating mechanisms that improve lives, are environmentally conscious and will lead to innovative engineering applications.
Borley, a native of Springfield, Ohio, is a marine biology major. Hoping to pursue a Ph.D. in marine biology, Borley plans on conducting research into the behavior of marine organisms and improving the quality of marine ecosystems.
Kruse, a civil engineering major from Athens, Ohio, plans to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental geochemistry. She hopes to conduct research, design remediation options and resource protection methods in a civil or environmental engineering firm.
"Jessica, Kimberly and Natalie are each outstanding candidates who prepared excellent applications," said Ann Brown, director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA). "Each has very strong academic credentials and impressive research skills. They have also been fortunate to work with some of the finest and most supportive scholars in their fields."
In its 15-year history, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has awarded 3,962 scholarships worth approximately $39 million dollars. The foundation is a federally-endowed agency encouraging outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering.
For more information on the ONCA or the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, please visit www.onca.org or www.act.org/goldwater .
