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Two K-State students have won the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Julie Stilson, a senior in computer science, and Mark Norfleet, junior in mathematics, were awarded the $7,500 scholarship March 30. The scholarship is for science, math or engineering majors who will pursue a doctoral degree and intend to go into a career in academia or research, scholarship adviser Jim Hohenbary said. This year there were 1,155 students competing for the scholarship, with 309 students winning the award.
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![]() Julie Stilson was one of four computer science majors to win the award. When she heard the results, she said she was surprised, but excited. "It makes all the research that I've done in the past and all the work seem like it's been worthwhile," she said. "It's just a good feeling." She said she hopes the award will help her when applying to graduate schools. |
Mark Norfleet said he was very happy to learn he received the award. He feels it will benefit him in the future. "Winning the scholarship is good for the doors it opens in the future," Norfleet said. "It is a great way for graduate schools to get word of your name." Norfleet also was very appreciative of the math department in regards to this award. "It truly reflects how well the K-State math faculty supports undergraduates," Norfleet said. "I can't say enough of the math department's support and encouragement." Norfleet was one of 24 mathematics majors to win this award. This summer he plans to publish results of his ongoing research project on the strong divisibility of polynomials. In the future, Norfleet plans to pursue his doctoral degree, do research and become a college professor. |
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Hohenbary said it was good to see the students recognized for all their accomplishments. He said it shows that K-State is a strong place for undergraduate research. "It indicates that our top students in math, science and engineering rank on the same level as other math, science and engineering students at any school in the country," Hohenbary said. K-State now ranks third among all universities with 45 total Goldwater winners, just behind Princeton with 47 and Harvard with 46. |
