Undergraduate Academic Affairs

July 15, 2010

UW undergraduates earn Goldwater Scholarships

Undergraduate Academic Affairs

UW undergraduates earn Goldwater Scholarships

Four students recognized for potential from math and science-based foundation

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation selected four University of Washington juniors as Goldwater Scholars. Scholarships are awarded to college sophomores and juniors entering the fields of mathematics, science, and engineering. This year’s University of Washington Goldwater Scholars are Devon Chandler-Brown, Noah Horwitz, Sherry Lee, and Christopher Mount.

The Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,111 mathematics, science, and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. The University of Washington’s science and research strength helps undergraduates be more competitive for this scholarship. One hundred fifty-six of the Scholars are men, 122 are women, and virtually all intend to obtain a Ph.D. as their degree objective. Seventeen Scholars are mathematics majors, 199 are science and related majors, 53 are majoring in engineering, and 9 are computer science majors. Many of the Scholars have dual majors in a variety of mathematics, science, engineering, and computer disciplines. The one and two year scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. Four scholars is the maximum number of scholars awarded to any institution in a particular year. Since 2001, 28 UW undergraduates have been named Goldwater Scholars and four earned honorable mention.

Devon Brian Chandler-Brown
Majors: Biochemistry and Biology
Hometown: Bothell, WA
Additional Honors/Awards: Mary Gates Scholar, Honors Student

Devon Brian Chandler-BrownA Washington state native, Devon Chandler-Brown is studying general biology and biochemistry and will graduate in 2011. He plans to pursue a doctorate degree in the biomedical sciences, with a particular interest in studying the mechanisms that drive the formation of disease to develop therapeutic interventions. He also hopes to teach at the university level and “pass on some of my enthusiasm for science to new researchers.” Chandler-Brown has already shared his interest in science through volunteering to teach environmental science, earth science and chemistry in schools in La Push, WA, Bothell, WA, and Seattle to students from the 1st through 12th grades. Recently, Chandler-Brown was named a UW campus nominee for the Gates Cambridge and Marshall scholarships.

Noah Horwitz
Major: ACS Chemistry
Hometown: Medina, WA
Additional Honors/Awards: Washington Research Foundation Fellowship, Hyp J. Dauben Award, Mary Gates Research Scholarship, CRC Freshman Achievement Award, Honors student

Noah HorwitzNoah Horwitz conducts research on organic solar cells under the mentorship of chemistry professor David Ginger. Horwitz uses optical and electrical techniques to probe the physical and chemical structure of organic photovoltaic devices. Interested in science “for as long as I can remember,” Horwitz decided to major in chemistry after completing the honors introductory chemistry sequence, which also introduced the idea of participating in research. After graduate, Horwitz plans to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry and eventually become a faculty member at a university, looking forward “to being able to conduct scientific research and teach new scientists.”

Sherry Lee
Major: Biology
Hometown: Corvallis, OR
Additional Honors/Awards: Levinson Emerging Scholars Program, Mary Gates Research Scholarship, Cullen Trust for Higher Education Fellowship Travel Award, Honors student

Sherry LeeSherry Lee credits her mother, who provides care to patients with cancer, as a source of motivation. “Through my mother,” Lee writes, “I have personally witnessed the hardships caused by cancer to both the physician and patient.” This experience instigated Lee’s interest in cancer etiology to better understand its affects on the body. By working with mentor Dr. Paul Nghiem, Lee has witnessed the benefits of research in this field. After graduation, Lee plans to attend a medical scientist training program and eventually teach and conduct translational research in academia to improve understanding of cancer etiology.

Christopher Mount
Majors: Bioengineering and Neurobiology
Hometown: Federal Way
Additional Honors/Awards: Amgen Scholar, Mary Gates Research Scholar, Bioengineering Departmental Scholar, Honors student

Christopher MountChristopher Mount’s work in Dr. Suzie Pun’s lab focuses on the development of a triblock copolymer micelle drug delivery system. He and his mentor are investigating the potential of this system to enhance the delivery characteristics and stability of a dye used in medical imaging. More recently, they are assessing whether micellar encapsulation can enhance the treatment potential of chemotherapeutic drugs. Beyond the lab, Mount participates in the UW’s chapter of Bioengineers Without Borders and hikes and fishes. Following graduation, Mount plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering in combination with a medical degree through an M.D./Ph.D. program. He hopes to work in academic medicine, developing new cancer therapeutics and regenerative therapies for the nervous system.


About the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards
The Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards helps UW undergraduates develop the tools and personal insights necessary to match their goals with local and national merit-based scholarship opportunities. National scholarship opportunities include the Fulbright, Goldwater, Marshall, Rhodes, Truman scholarships and many others. The office is part of the Center for Experiential Learning in Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

About the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program
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.