College sophomore Phillip Benedetti was awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship last week, with College and Wharton sophomore Stefan Sabo receiving an honorable mention.
They were among 321 sophomores and juniors who were recognized for success in math and sciences, chosen from among 1,035 nominees for the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. Winners of the scholarship receive up to $7,500 toward their education for their junior and senior years in college.
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships nominates four exemplary sophomore and junior students for the scholarship every year who have demonstrated success in the sciences and wish to pursue their interests by attaining higher-level degrees.
"We have been able to find some very talented students this year," said CURF interim director Harriet Joseph.
For Benedetti this is a continuation of his former success. In his freshman year, he received the Provost Undergraduate Research Scholarship and has conducted research in Smith Lab since the summer of 2007.
A student of chemistry and biochemistry, Benedetti said that Goldwater Scholarship recipients are "passionate about scientific research [and] are planning to dedicate their careers to the advancement of science."
For Sabo, just being selected by CURF was an honor.
"I was very excited because a number of students submit applications and only four get selected," he said.
Sabo is a math major who is minoring in actuarial mathematics and will sub-matriculate in order to receive a master's degree. He expressed gratitude to College Dean Dennis DeTurck and Math professor Ted Chinburg for writing his letters of recommendation.
Many see the scholarship as a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
In its twenty-year history, the Foundation has awarded students who have gone on to win Rhodes Scholarships and Marshall Awards, among other distinguished fellowships.
This year's Gates Award winner - College senior Joshua Cook - is a former winner.
