Three UC Students Honored with Prestigious Goldwater Scholarships

Three University of Cincinnati students were named 2017 Barry Goldwater scholars for excellence in science and math.

They include a physics and astronomy major, a chemical engineer and a biomedical engineering student who plans to get a doctorate in molecular and developmental biology.

While UC students have received the scholarship in the past, the announcement marks the first time UC has been distinguished with three Goldwater scholars in a single year since the foundation was endowed in 1989.

“It’s a recognition of the type of students we have at UC,” said Theresa Culley, interim director of UC’s Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. “They’re all doing amazing research. They’re some of the intellectual engines in their labs and doing great things to push boundaries.”

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, named for the late U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, has awarded 7,921 scholarships totaling $63 million since 1989.

This year’s recipients were selected from 1,286 applicants in science, math and engineering. Each of the 240 recipients receives $7,500 they can use for tuition, fees, books or room and board.

This year’s recipients are Madelyn Leembruggen, from the College of Arts and Sciences, and Courtney Stockman and Rickey Terrell, from the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Leembruggen is a physics and astronomy major from Troy, Ohio, who graduated from Troy Christian High School. She plans to pursue a doctorate in theoretical cosmology. She is researching dark matter at UC but also works as a peer tutor and mentor at the Learning Assistance Center.

“There I have learned how to interact with and teach students from diverse backgrounds, as well as how to mentor peers academically and professionally,” she said. “UC has provided me the amazing opportunity to pursue both passions simultaneously so I will be well-prepared for my future.”

Stockman, a biomedical engineering major from Anderson Township, plans to pursue a doctorate in molecular and developmental biology. The Turpin High School graduate said biochemistry is her favorite class.

“I enjoy learning about protein: protein interactions, inhibitors, gene pathways and mutations,” she said. “After graduation, I want to study connective-tissue disorders from a molecular and developmental biology viewpoint.”

Terrell, a native of Mason, Ohio, and a graduate of Mason High School, is pursuing a doctorate in chemical engineering. He has an interest in fuel-cell research because of its potential for clean and cheap energy on a global scale.

“This excites me most because of the long-term impact it can have in energy and transportation applications,” he said. “If we can reduce the amount of platinum needed for a fuel cell, we can decrease the cost of the system and begin transitioning society to cleaner alternative energy solutions.”

The scholarships are awarded to students studying fields related to science, technology, engineering or math with an emphasis on research, said Cara Pickett, assistant director of the Office of National Competitive Awards. Her office helps sophomores, juniors or eligible fourth-year co-op students apply each fall.

The university can nominate as many as four students per year.

“The Goldwater foundation is looking to increase the number of future STEM researchers – students who can demonstrate potential to make significant research contributions in their careers and the ability to become researchers,” Pickett said.

For more information, go to the UC

Office of Nationally Competitive Awards

or contact Cara Pickett at 513-556-4236 or by

email

.