Star scholars

My-Linh T. Nguyen (Bio-chemistry ’07) and Eliah R. Shamir (Biomedical Engineering ’08) have been named Goldwater Scholars for 2006.

The one- and two-year scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to $7,500 per year.

Nguyen plans to pursue a medical degree and conduct basic science and clinical research with an emphasis on molecular approaches to cancer therapy. She also wants to teach at a university hospital. Shamir will seek a medical degree as well. She wants to work in immunology, conducting clinical and biomedical research in an academic setting with a focus on improving global health, and to mentor rising medical scientists.

The 323 Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,081 mathematics, science and engineering students nominated by colleges and universities nationwide. The program honors Sen. Barry M. Goldwater and was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields.

Edward Ross Baird (Foreign Affairs ’07) has been named a 2006 Truman Scholar. Baird, who is in the politics honors program, is among 75 students chosen for the award, which is worth up to $30,000.

Given by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, the award goes to college juniors who exhibit exceptional leadership potential and who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in public service. The scholarship provides financial support for graduate study and leadership training for students committed to public service.