Director's Office

Science Planning Committee

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship 2012

The purpose of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation is to alleviate a critical current and future shortage of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. A more realistic statement of the purpose, in today's terms, is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified individuals to those fields of academic study and research.

As a four-year institution, Smith College may nominate up to four current sophomores or juniors. Nominees should have demonstrated potential and commitment for pursuing careers in mathematics, natural sciences or engineering and making a strong contribution in their chosen field, as demonstrated by significant research experience and publications. Historically we know that students who were ultimately awarded Goldwater Scholarships had GPAs of 3.84 or higher (most higher than 3.9).

The Foundation will award undergraduate scholarships to outstanding students, to be known as Barry M. Goldwater Scholars, in the spring of 2012 for use during the 2012–2013 academic year. The awards will be made on the basis of merit to two groups of students—those who will be college juniors and those who will be college seniors in the 2012–2013 academic year.

Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually. Scholarship monies not used during one academic year are not transferable to the succeeding academic year. Junior-level scholarship recipients are eligible for a maximum of two years of scholarship support, and senior-level scholarship recipients are eligible for a maximum of one year of scholarship support. Scholars may opt to study abroad, but their Goldwater funding will be based on their U.S. institution's budget.

The Trustees intend to award up to 300 Goldwater Scholarships. The number of scholarships to be awarded per state will depend on the number and qualifications of the nominees from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and, considered as a single entity, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The word "resident" as used in this context refers to a person who has legal residence in the state from which he or she is a candidate. This status might be indicated by parents' place of residence. If that criterion of residence is not relevant, the candidate's legal residence will be determined by his or her eligibility for in-state tuition rates (where applicable) and place of voter registration.

In awarding scholarships, the Foundation Board of Trustees will consider the nominee's field of study and career objectives and the extent to which that individual has the commitment and potential to make a significant contribution to his or her field. Nominees for Goldwater Scholarships must include in their application a statement of interest in a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering, detailing how their academic program and their overall educational plans will prepare them for their chosen career goal. It is expected that students selected as scholars will pursue advanced degrees. Students who plan to study medicine are eligible for a Goldwater Scholarship only if they plan a research career rather than a career as a medical doctor in a private practice.

To be considered for nomination as a Goldwater Scholar, a student must:

• Be a full-time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education during the 2011–2012 academic year. "Sophomore" is defined as a student who plans two more years of full-time undergraduate study beginning September 2012. Sophomore nominees can expect to receive a maximum of two years of support. Students in two-year colleges who plan to transfer to a baccalaureate program at another institution may be nominated. "Junior" is defined as a student who plans one more year of full-time undergraduate study beginning September 2012. Junior nominees can expect to receive a maximum of one year of support.
• Have a college grade-point average of at least "B" (or the equivalent) and be in the upper fourth of his or her class.
• Be a United States citizen, a permanent resident, or, in the case of nominees from American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands, a United States national. Nominations from permanent residents must include a letter of the nominee's intent to obtain U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of the Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration Card).

Please read all details about the scholarship, forms, process, requirements, etc. at the Goldwater web site.

Process & Deadlines

1. October, Science Planning - constitution of Awards Management Committee
2. November 18, Faculty - deadline for submission of nominees to Awards Management Subcommittee. Please download the Goldwater Nomination Form (Word document) and submit it electronically to Christian Lagier.
3. December - Goldwater nominee review by Science Planning Awards Sub-Committee; selection of four nominees from Smith College.
4. December - January, Director's Office, faculty, nominees: development of application package for each of the four chosen students under the leadership of the Director's Office. Faculty sponsors write letters of recommendation. Applications are submitted online by the nominated students.
5. January 20 - Deadline for selected nominees to submit their essay, letters of recommendation, and complete online application form.
6. January 31 - Nominating Official (Tom Litwin) - deadline for submittal of nominations to the Goldwater Foundation.
7. Late March, Goldwater Foundation - notification of awards

Recent Smith College Goldwater Awards

2011

Francesca Rachael Tomaino
Major(s): Biological Science
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. Conduct research in biological or biomedical science.

2010

Anna Lee Boehle (Honorable Mention)
Major(s): Physics/Italian
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Astronomy or Physics. Conduct theoretical research and teach at the university level.

2009

Laura Lindsay Smith
Major(s): Biochemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct research in biochemical science and teach at the university level.

Julie Ann Olson (Honorable Mention)
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. Design and synthesize antifilarial drugs. Engage in clinical treatment of lymphatic filariasis patients.

2008

Kristin Tyler ‘09

Emma Schlatter ‘10

2007
Maya L. Wei-Haas
Major(s): Geology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Geochemistry. Conduct research focusing on anthropogenic influences on ground water chemistry and/or anthropogenic impact on biogeochemical cycles at a major university.

Merilie A. Reynolds
Major(s): Geology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Geology. Conduct research with a focus on water resources and teach at the undergraduate or graduate level.

2005

Kristina D. Closser
Major(s): Chemistry/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Organic or Physical Organic Chemistry. Conduct research in organic or physical organic chemistry and teach at the university level.

Nadia M. Benbernou
Major(s): Mathematics
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Biomathematics. Conduct research and use biomathematical techniques to solve problems in medicine with emphasis on protein interactions.

2004

Shirin E. Hastings
Major(s): Mathematics
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Conduct clinical and laboratory research in the field of neuroscience.

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