Director's Office

Science Planning Committee

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship 2008

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.

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).

Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually.

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 2007-2008 academic year. "Sophomore" is defined as a student who plans two more years of full-time undergraduate study beginning September 2008. Sophomore nominees can expect to receive a maximum of two years of support. "Junior" is defined as a student who plans one more year of full-time undergraduate study beginning September 2008. 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).
  
• Have demonstrated potential and declared an intention to pursue advanced degree in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering and make a research contribution to this field (MD direction is only acceptable if research oriented).

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

Process & Deadlines

1. October, Science Planning - constitution of Goldwater Awards Management Subcommittee
2. November 2 , Faculty - deadline for submission of nominees to Awards Management Subcommittee. A nomination includes:
   • Name, major, class year, and home state of the student
   • Confirmation that the student, as far as you know, meets the Goldwater requirements listed in bold above
   • A brief justification including mention of any known research experience, conference participation/presentations/publications
3. November - Goldwater nominee review by Science Planning Awards Sub-Committee; selection of four nominees from Smith College.
4. November - December, 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 8 - Deadline for selected nominees to submit their essay, letters of recommendation, and complete online application form.
6. February 1, 2008, Nominating Official (Tom Litwin) - deadline for submittal of nominations to the Coldwater Foundation.
7. March 2008, Goldwater Foundation - notification of awards

Recent Smith College Goldwater Awards

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.

2006 - none

2005

Kristina D. Closser, Smith College
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, Smith College
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, Smith College
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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