Four National Merit Scholars Enter Biomedical and Freshman Engineering Programs

National Merit Scholar Grant Cothrel comes to the University of Cincinnati from Oakwood High School in Dayton, Ohio. With his love for math and advanced placement biology courses, it’s no wonder that Cothrel selected the biomedical engineering (BME) program at UC. The active scholar participated in numerous extracurricular activities including the swim team, ecology club, energy team and the school arts journal. He was also choir president. Cothrel enjoys playing guitar and was a member of the pit orchestra for his high school’s musical, “Anything Goes.”

Even with his busy school and extracurricular schedules, Cothrel still made time to tutor two students. He reflects, “I'm very proud of the grades I made, but being a tutor was a great experience because I had the opportunity to be a role model to kids who really needed one. I helped them keep their grades up and got to be a part of their lives. It was a very positive experience.”
 
Cothrel was drawn to UC’s highly regarded engineering program, and when he came to tour the campus, he immediately felt comfortable here. He plans to apply his knowledge to develop technologies that improve the quality of life for people. After achieving his bachelor’s degree, Cothrel wishes to pursue a master’s in engineering or study physical therapy.
 
“While becoming a National Merit Finalist is based predominantly on PSAT scores, I think it also reflects the work that students put into their regular studies. The title not only reminds me of past accomplishments, but also motivates me to excel in the future. I eagerly look forward to these coming college years and the opportunities my scholar status has given me at UC. The more challenging college curriculum in combination with UC's amazing campus and students will make for a very fun freshman year. I can't wait for classes to start.”
 
Coming in from Beaumont High School in Cleveland Heights this year is biomedical engineering freshman Victoria Kulbago. This scholar’s passion for biology and genetics make a perfect fit for the combination of scientific theory and applications to real-world problems that the BME program has to offer.
 
Kulbago played volleyball throughout high school and remained involved in several clubs and organizations at her school. She was a member of the Girl Scouts, Latin club, culinary club, ambassadors club, the Benedictine Marching Band and the National Honors Society. Kulbago joins the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) with several awards already in hand, including Governor's Award of Excellence in the Student Research in Energy, summa cum laude on the 2010 and 2011 National Latin Examination and the Yale book award.
 
Kulbago had also considered the UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) program, but CEAS attracted her even more. It was the renowned co-op program, beautiful campus and financial aid benefits that won her over.
 
“I intend to go on to earn my master’s degree after receiving my bachelor’s degree. Afterwards, I tentatively hope to participate in some form of micro-biological research,” Kulbago explains.
 

Entering the Freshman Engineering Program (FEP) this fall is National Merit Scholar and Sycamore High School alumnus Cory Chisholm. The CEAS FEP offers students the opportunity to explore engineering options before selecting a specific engineering program like chemical, electrical or biomedical engineering.

Also joining FEP this fall is Cincinnati native Andrew Uetrecht. Uetrecht hails from Gamble Montessori High School and has already gained some ground through college-level physics courses. He is highly talented in math and science and plans to explore his options in engineering through FEP.

When he’s not challenging himself with physics, Uetrecht spends his time playing roller hockey and violin. He’s also one of the top 10 players in the world of two real-time strategy games. Uetrecht enjoys reading and is a fan of computer games.

Uetrecht remarks, “Both of my parents were National Merit Scholars themselves, so I made them immensely proud by following in their footsteps. I think that their excitement bled over and reflecting on this; I feel like I'm getting recognition for the work that I've put into school over the years.”

Aside from the valuable option of exploration through FEP, Uetrecht’s cousin, a recent UC chemical engineering graduate, tipped him off to the outstanding

co-op program

UC has to offer.

“I'm looking forward to the challenge I'm sure UC will provide. I'm ready for a challenge. I know adjusting will be difficult at first, but I think if I can work my way through those first difficult weeks, I should be in for an enjoyable school year and years to come.”