Two Brigham Young University students were recently awarded Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships for scholastic excellence in the mathematical and natural science fields.
Kristi R. Adamson, a junior from Vancouver, Wash., is majoring in physics. Scott B. Raymond, a junior from Bozeman, Mont., has a double major in applied physics and neuroscience with a minor in math.
Both students will receive two years of scholarship, which will cover expenses for tuition, fees, books and room and board up to $7,500 annually.
To be considered for the scholarship, Adamson began researching in her field in September 2001. She plans to concentrate on material science or molecular optics and eventually attend graduate school to pursue a career in research.
"There is so much research experience that BYU makes so easy for their undergraduates to get," she said.
Raymond's first research experience was in 1997 when he worked in a biochemistry lab for a friend. Since that time, he has done research in two labs under BYU professors David Busath and Matthew Asplund. The scholarship allows him the opportunity to further his research as an undergraduate.
"Winning this scholarship reflects the fusion between undergraduate education and undergraduate research, a combination unique to BYU," Raymond said. "I probably
wouldn't have been able to achieve this anywhere else."
Raymond is completing his senior project this summer at Harvard Medical School where he will be studying possible medical applications for ultrasound. After graduation, he plans to pursue graduate studies in biological physics.
Scholarship recipients must be majoring in the natural sciences, engineering or mathematics and be in the top 25 percent of their class. It is also expected that recipients will pursue advanced degrees.
Writer: Liesel Enke
