3 K-State Students Awarded Goldwater
Three K-State students were awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, putting the university at second place nationally, tied with Harvard.
Elizabeth Richardson, sophomore in biology and political science; Dawn Dechand, senior in biological and agricultural engineering-environmental; and Trevor Fast, senior in math and statistics, were awarded the scholarship that is designed to foster research in the areas of math, science and engineering.
Fast said he's glad to finally know his efforts have paid off.
"I was relieved to finally find out. It was a long process," he said.
Fast, whose research involves analyzing certain properties of different space times which would relate to the structure of the universe, credits his research adviser for keeping him focused.
"Dr. David Auckly has spent many hours working with me on the project. He keeps challenging problems on the table. I'm never without something to do," Fast said.
All three students have been involved with research on campus, working alongside faculty members.
James Hohenbary, scholarship adviser, said faculty members help students start researching at the undergraduate level.
"A lot of students, thanks to faculty, get involved in research in their fields early in their careers," Hohenbary said.
The application process is a long one, as it starts with nominations at the campus level, Hohenbary said.
After a student has been awarded a campus nomination, they have several months to revise and rewrite the application and essay. The Goldwater Foundation announces the winners in late March or early April.
The scholarship was established in 1989 to honor Barry M. Goldwater, a prominent statesman who served in the senate for 30 years. It awards around 300 scholarships a year, at $7,500 each, according to the Goldwater Foundation Web site. It is designed to allow students to continue their research at the post-graduate level.
Only Princeton University ranks above K-State and Harvard for national winners.