Four UGA students receive Goldwater Scholarships for Excellence in the Natural Sciences
WRITER: Chuck Toney, (706) 542-8090, ctoney@uga.edu
CONTACT: Jere Morehead, (706) 542-6908, morehead@arches.uga.edu
Apr 1, 2002, 16:38

ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Georgia has four students on the list of 2002–2003 Goldwater Scholars, the maximum number awarded to any single school and the second year in a row that four UGA students have been recognized. Nationwide, 1,155 students were nominated for 309 scholarships. This year’s Goldwater Scholarship recipients at UGA are Jennifer M. Srygley, a genetics/interdisciplinary major; John H. Woodruff, a cell biology/biochemistry and molecular biology major; Kathryn G. Smith, a genetics major; and Jennifer J. Gibson, a cell biology/psychology major.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program was created to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering and to foster excellence in those fields. Four-year institutions can nominate up to four students who are sophomores or juniors. The scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books and room and board, up to $7,500 annually. The program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to honor Barry M. Goldwater, who served for 30 years in the U.S. Senate.

“Winning the maximum number of Goldwater Scholarships two years in a row is extraordinary. I am particularly delighted that all four of this year’s recipients are students in the Honors Program,” said Jere Morehead, associate provost and director of the Honors Program. “Our faculty committee, under the leadership of Dr. Karl Espelie, prepared these students very well for this prestigious competition. I also am appreciative of the excellent work done by Ms. Else Jorgensen, the Honors Program Scholarship Coordinator, in helping prepare the
applications of these outstanding students.”

Other institutions with four Goldwater Scholars include Johns Hopkins University, the University of Michigan, Georgetown University, Cornell University, Duke University and the University of Washington in St. Louis.

“These awards continue a series of national and international honors for UGA students,” said President Michael F. Adams. “The rising quality of our overall student body is reflected in the success of our students in such competitions. The University of Georgia is being recognized for excellence in all facets of our mission.”

• Jennifer Srygley is a junior from Tallahassee, Fla., who intends to earn either a medical degree or a doctorate in genetics. She wants to conduct biomedical research into new methods of investigating and treating genetic diseases.

• John Woodruff is a junior from Thomasville who plans to earn either a medical degree or a doctorate in immunology. He hopes to develop sustainable and affordable public health interventions, including vaccines, for treating disease in the developing world.

• Kathryn Smith is a sophomore from Wadmalaw Island, S.C., who plans to earn a doctorate in cellular and molecular biology and teach and conduct research at a major medical university or biomedical research institution.

• Jennifer Gibson is a junior from Knoxville, Tenn., who plans to earn a medical degree or a doctorate in immunology/parasitology. She wants to become a research professor at a major medical university and serve internationally as a medical volunteer and researcher.

The Honors Program at UGA provides the institution’s top students with special classes, individualized attention, opportunities for independent research and close contact with faculty and combines the depth of a liberal arts college with the breadth of a major research university.

The Foundation Fellows Program was established in 1972 by trustees of the University of Georgia Foundation to create an enhanced educational experience for superior undergraduate
students.