May 12, 2005

Two named Goldwater Scholars for research, leadership

Two students have been awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for 2005-06.

The award recipients are Laura Hughes, a junior majoring in chemistry, and Jeffrey Kaplan, a sophomore studying integrated science and physics.

The Goldwater Scholarship will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to $7,500 for both of the recipients.

Hughes’ interest is pharmaceutical drug development. Under the direction of two Northwestern professors, she has independently researched the application of nanotechnology to the development of disease treatment. She plans to pursue a PhD in chemistry and a subsequent career in drug development and university teaching.

Kaplan has studied high-energy physics and researched theoretical astrophysics, a project that involved black hole-neutron star binaries. He plans to pursue a PhD in astrophysics and computational physics and become a university professor.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is one of the most desirable undergraduate awards. The award recipients are chosen based on a high GPA, research experience and experience in positions of leadership. Sophomores and juniors in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering are eligible. This year, 1,091 students were nominated for the scholarship by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. Only 320 scholarships were awarded.