2006 Honorable Mentions

(Listed by State of Legal Residence)

Alabama

Shuangqin (Qin) Zhang
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Immunology. Conduct research in the field of immunology or rheumatology.

Shuangyin (Yin) Zhang
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Developmental/Clinical Immunology. Conduct cancer research at a research hospital in the field of immunology.

Alaska

Andrew V. Merrell
Lewis and Clark College
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Ecology. Conduct research on animal behavioral ecology with the goal of developing responsible/informed conservation strategies.

Arizona

Jill S. Craven
University of Arizona
Major(s): Chemical Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biomedical and Chemical Engineering. Conduct research in a national lab and then continue research and teach in the specialized area of biomedical engineering.

Christopher T. Diggans
Yavapai College
Major(s): Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics. Conduct/lead research and teach mathematics or physics at the university level.

David M. Hernandez
University of Arizona
Major(s): Physics/Astronomy
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Astrophysics. Conduct research in academia or other research institution, exploring the extreme environments around exotic stars such as black holes and neutron stars and testing the limits of relativity.

Colorado

Scott A. Bender
Santa Clara University
Major(s): Physics/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Physics. Conduct research in condensed matter theory or possibly nuclear theory at a university and teach.

Brian E. Lehigh
University of Colorado-Boulder
Major(s): Chemical Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Conduct research for an innovative company on novel polymer systems with material applications.

Matthew D. MacCarthy
University of Denver
Major(s): Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct research investigating new products, techniques and treatments at a research hospital.

Alana N. Walker
Truman State University
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D./D.V.M. in Veterinary Medicine. Conduct research in the field of veterinary medicine.

Connecticut

April D. Daigle
Union University
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry. Conduct research and teach at the university level.

Nicholas W. Dellaripa
Wake Forest University
Major(s): Physics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Particle Physics. Conduct research/work for places such as CERN in Switzerland or Fermilab near Chicago, eventually as a director.

Kristina N. McCleary
University of Connecticut
Major(s): Chemistry/Cell Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct research determining the interactions of biological macromolecules and their impact on biological systems.

Jonathan C. Silver
University of Hartford
Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Acoustics/Vibrations. Conduct research in higher education and do acoustical consulting on the side.

Justin S. Stroup
Lehigh University
Major(s): Geological Sciences
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Geology. Conduct research and teach at the college level.

Florida

Christian T. Gilliland
University of Florida
Major(s): Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct research on infectious diseases/develop potential therapeutics, and teach in the fields of biochemistry/molecular biology.

Natalia A. Klosak
University of North Florida
Major(s): Biology/Chemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Molecular Neuroscience. Conduct research in a clinical research institution such as Mayo focused on neurodegenerative diseases, their mechanisms and possible therapeutics.

Andrew W. Moedinger
Stetson University
Major(s): Computer Science/Music Performance
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Computer Science. Conduct research to develop technologies that enable people worldwide to efficiently utilize the large volume of information/problem solving potential currently available.

Idaho

Nathan J. Bialke
University of Idaho
Major(s): Computer Engineering/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. Conduct research on special purpose embedded and reconfigurable computing technology to improve information handling/digital communication flow in a research setting.

Nicholas J. Harker
University of Idaho
Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Conduct research and design of mechanical systems with an emphasis on improving transportation and electric power sources while reducing their effects on the environment.

Julia J. Williams
University of Idaho
Major(s): Microbiology/Molecular Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry. Conduct research on molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial drug resistance or mechanism of transfer of antibiotic resistance genes at the university level.

Indiana

Bryan E. Frauhiger
Butler University
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Analytical or Organic Chemistry. Conduct research at the college level or work in a research lab.

Tamara L. Klotzbach
Saint Louis University
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Analytical or Organic Chemistry. Obtain a research position in academia.

Steven D. Rhodes
Wabash College
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Biomedical Research. Apply clinical perspective to the laboratory setting as a biomedical researcher to improve treatments for liver disease, diabetes, and/or cancer.

Kansas

Laura A. Stiles
University of Kansas
Major(s): Engineering Physics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. Conduct research at NASA with specialization in spacecraft design.

Louisiana

Brett S. Martin
Centenary College of Louisiana
Major(s): Biochemistry/Biophysics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct biochemical research and teach at university level.

Maine

June K. Yeung
Smith College
Major(s): Engineering Science
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Conduct research and teach science and engineering.

Maryland

Daniel M. Flanagan
Allegheny College
Major(s): Geology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Geology. Conduct original research projects and teach/prepare students for successful careers in the geosciences at an institution of higher education.

Kathryn A. Tworkoski
Loyola College in Maryland
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Pathology. Lead researcher in a government lab that investigates either the prevention or the working mechanisms of diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

Massachusetts

Daniel H. Bacher
Syracuse University
Major(s): Bioengineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Neural Engineering. Conduct research in industry or academic setting.

Itay Budin
Cornell University
Major(s): Bioengineering/Environmental Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. Conduct research applying engineering principles and multi-disciplinary technologies to solve medical problems.

Timothy D. Kowalczyk
University of Southern California
Major(s): Mathematics/Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry. Conduct research and teach in theoretical physical chemistry at the university level.

Melissa M. St. Amand
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Major(s): Chemical Engineering/Biochemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering/Bioengineering. Conduct research at a leading research university doing world class research in biotechnology/bioengineering.

Michigan

Christopher N. Beaumont
Calvin College
Major(s): Physics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Astronomy. Pursue career in research astronomy, specializing in stellar astronomy or dynamical systems.

Keary M. Engle
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Major(s): Chemistry/Economics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Organic Materials/Polymer Chemistry. Conduct research on new methods of hydrogen storage for fuel cell technology in academia or a government agency, teach, and analyze national science policy.

Marlie A. Johnson
Hope College
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: D.V.M. in Veterinary Medicine. Join a practice focusing on large animal medicine with future of opening own office.

Xi Lin
University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
Major(s): Electrical Engineering/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. Conduct research and teach at the university level to develop new tools and techniques to solve complex electromagnetic problems on computers.

Kevin K. Ogden
Michigan State University
Major(s): Physiology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Biology. Conduct research in pharmacology, physiology or biological chemistry as leading investigator in cardiovascular biology.

Elizabeth J. Otto
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Major(s): Physics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Physics. Conduct experimental physics research in atomic, molecular and optical physics at a major university and teach at the undergraduate level.

Leah S. Witus
Rice University
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemistry/Nanotechnology. Conduct research on nanoparticles and their interaction with biological materials, how they can be applied for biological, biomedical and environmental purposes, and teach at the college level.

Minnesota

Perrie L. Cole
Concordia College-Moorhead
Major(s): Physics/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Physics. Conduct research and teach college level physics.

Matthew W. Gorman
University of Saint Thomas
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Aquatic Ecology. Conduct research on the management practices of shallow lake ecosystems and teach at the university level.

Carol A. Johnson
Purdue University
Major(s): Environmental Chemistry/German
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry. Conduct environmental chemistry research at a national research institute, either in U.S. or Germany, to promote environmental and international cultural awareness in the U.S.

Christian R. Lytle
University of Saint Thomas
Major(s): Physics/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Astrophysics. Conduct research in cosmology as it relates to the general relativity, particle physics and theories of quantum gravity.

Brian C. Meyer
Luther College
Major(s): Biology/Psychology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Conduct research in the natural sciences in the area relating to neuroscience and its development applications.

Austin A. Nelson
University of Saint Thomas
Major(s): Physics/Electrical Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Applied Physics. Conduct research and engineering of alternative energy sources, such as the design of low-cost turbine systems for single family use.

Abraham J. Olson
University of Portland
Major(s): Physics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Optics or Cendensed Matter Physics. Start a technology company to further scientific research and aid in solving the problems that face our world.

Mississippi

Rachel L. Nuwer
Loyola University New Orleans
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Conservation Biology. Conduct research that will contribute to environmental conservation efforts and the academic field.

Missouri

Bryan H. Schmidt
Indiana University at Bloomington
Major(s): Biochemistry/History
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology. Conduct research on the integrative approach of biochemistry and molecular biology, and teach graduate and undergraduate students at a research university.

Keith C. Summa
Georgetown University
Major(s): Biology/English
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Cellular Biology. Conduct biomedical research to understand the mechanisms causing disease and effective treatments.

Ryan J. Vierling
University of Tulsa
Major(s): Biochemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct research in the development aspect of the pharmaceutical industry and continue to do biochemical/pharmaceutical research and teach at the university level.

Nebraska

Lynsey N. Crosby
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Virology. Conduct research at the university level and further determine the mode of transmission of certain viral diseases.

Alicia M. Hardt
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Major(s): Biotechnology
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Neuro-Oncology. Conduct cancer research with an emphasis on cancers affecting the central nervous system and teach at the graduate level.

Sarah E. Marshall
University of Nebraska-Kearney
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry/Molecular Biology. Conduct biomedical research designing new pharmaceutical drugs to treat human diseases.

Jessica I. Peinado
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemistry. Conduct research and enhance knowledge of chemistry at a large research university.

New Hampshire

Benjamin T. MacBride
University of New Hampshire
Major(s): Physics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Space Physics or Astrophysics. Conduct research while teaching at a university or working for a space related agency.

New Jersey

Tamara M. Agee
Franklin and Marshall College
Major(s): Chemistry/Art History
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry. Conduct research in chemistry at the university level.

Dalal Kanan
New York University
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Theoretical/Computational Chemistry. Conduct research and teach advancing the knowledge of both chemical as well as broader scientific phenomena at the university level.

Scott W. Werneke
Ithaca College
Major(s): Biochemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct cancer research and work towards different medical treatments.

Lucas J. Willis
Rowan University
Major(s): Physics/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Atomic/Plasma Physics. Conduct research at a national lab or faculty member at research university and conduct research in the field of ultra cold plasma physics or some branch of atomic or plasma physics.

New York

Ferhina S. Ali
University of Rochester
Major(s): Neuroscience
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Visual Science. Conduct neuro-ophthalmology research with goal of formulating clinical applications at a teaching hospital affiliated with a research academic institution, allowing teaching of students.

Jordan E. Axelrad
Tufts University
Major(s): Biology/Psychology
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Conduct research in clinical neuroscience such as neurology and neuropathology.

Rachael D. Brust
SUNY at Buffalo
Major(s): Biochemistry/Biophysics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biomedical Science. Conduct clinically related research while teaching at an educational institution, thus using my knowledge in a creative way to help people get and stay healthy.

Deborah B. Diehl
Marist College
Major(s): Environmental Science
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology. Conduct research of potential toxins in various ecosystems, consequences for living organisms and mechanisms of toxicity.

Theodore C. Feldman
SUNY at Stony Brook
Major(s): Engineering Science
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Materials Science/Biophysics. Conduct research on melding optics/materials characterization and teach at the university level.

Aubrey T. Francisco
Syracuse University
Major(s): Bioengineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. Conduct research specializing in tissue engineering and teach at the university level, work in industry or start own research company.

Carolyn A. Hogan
Cornell University
Major(s): Bioengineering/Environmental Engineering
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Biomedical Research. Conduct biomedical research in an academic setting.

Mark Huntington
SUNY at Buffalo
Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Conduct research in modern nano technology and develop this field to its full potential of usefulness in modern society.

Heather M. Miller
SUNY at Albany
Major(s): Biological Science
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology. Conduct research while training future scientists.

Andrew M. Mishchenko
CUNY City College
Major(s): Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Mathematics. Conduct research in pure mathematics specializing in topology or set theory.

Martha M. Munoz
Boston University
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology. Conduct research on a genetic level with emphasis in genomic imprinting, development, and population genetics, manage a research lab and teach at university level.

James P. Stevens
University of Vermont
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Medicine/Chemistry. Conduct research in field of both medicine and chemistry, working at the forefronts of both the physical and health sciences.

Laura C. Titus
SUNY College at Geneseo
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Genetics. Conduct research in clinical environment, working to identify specific molecular targets that are abnormal in disease causing agents/hereditary diseases, especially the molecular targets of cancer.

Robert L. Tracey, Jr
SUNY at Albany
Major(s): Atmospheric Science/Computer Science
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science. Conduct research in the development and improvement of new and current storm prediction models, and new methods of storm prediction.

Matthew J. Ward
Youngstown State University
Major(s): Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Mathematics/Algebra. Conduct research at a research institution and become an established and published research mathematician.

North Carolina

Anna P. Goldstein
University of North Carolina-Asheville
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemistry. Conduct chemical research in an academic setting, establishing a research group to investigate environmental issues from a chemical perspective.

John J. Rhoden
North Carolina State University
Major(s): Chemical Biology/Biomedical Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Conduct research at a research university on quantitative systems biology while exploring the utility of engineering methods.

Lauren E. Stone
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Major(s): Biochemistry/Biological Science
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Genetics. Conduct research at a government research lab or other research institution to understand the genetic/molecular functioning of disease-causing agents.

North Dakota

Tyler N. Winkelman
University of Saint Thomas
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. Conduct research and teach at a university or work in industry.

Ohio

Warren C. Boyd
Oberlin College
Major(s): Chemistry/Biochemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Synthetic/Physical Organic Chemistry. Conduct research and teach at a college or university setting in the areas of synthetic and physical organic chemistry.

Gregory L. Cvetanovich
Northwestern University
Major(s): Biological Science/Chemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Biological Sciences/Chemistry. Conduct/lead research with focus on stem cell biology and translation of scientific knowledge into strategies for restoration of tissue function using stem cell therapies at a research school.

Jared A. Hicks
University of Akron
Major(s): Electrical Engineering/Applied Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. Conduct interdisciplinary research, teach and write by establishing myself as an ambassador of science and mathematics at the university level.

Ian M. Jones
Ohio State University
Major(s): Microbiology/Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemical Biology. Conduct research at a pharmaceutical lab designing/synthesizing novel delivery systems to make drugs safer and more effective.

Lee T. Kennard
Kenyon College
Major(s): Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Mathematics. Conduct research and teach specializing in analysis at the university level.

Gregory M. Kestin
Ohio State University
Major(s): Physics/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics. Conduct/lead nuclear physics research at the university level, sharing insight with students and faculty.

Daniel E. Shai
College of Wooster
Major(s): Chemistry/Physics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Physics. Conduct research while teaching at the post-secondary level institution or working as a research scientist.

Rudy J. Wojtecki
Hiram College
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. Conduct research on novel and useful invention in the area of nanotechnology and develop a company/business plan to commercialize this invention.

Oklahoma

Michael D. Gamble
Oklahoma State University
Major(s): Chemical Engineering/Economics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. Conduct research using the knowledge of chemical engineering and economics to the practical application of research.

Oregon

Grant D. Meadors
Reed College
Major(s): Physics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Astrophysics. Conduct cosmological research to understand early universe and its evolution; test and constrain theories about its shape, composition, extent, or eschatology.

Anthony L. Shiver
University of Oregon
Major(s): Biochemistry/Applied Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct fundamental research in epigenetics emphasizing the experimental applications of it in silico modeling.

Pennsylvania

Audrey E. Harmon-Smith
Swarthmore College
Major(s): Biology/Linguistics
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. Teach and conduct translational research with medical application in the field of academia.

Michael G. Lack
Syracuse University
Major(s): Aerospace Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Astronautical Engineering. Conduct research in engineering, math and economics and obtain research position as Aerospace/Astronautical Engineer to continue passion for learning.

Matthew A. Lohr
Pennsylvania State University-University Park
Major(s): Physics/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Physics. Conduct research on nonlinear dynamics and complex classical systems through theoretical modeling and teach at the university level.

Jonilyn G. Longenecker
Juniata College
Major(s): Chemistry/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Quantum Chemistry. Conduct research on quantum mechanics/contribute to theories and practice concerning atomic structure/compositional understanding and teach at the university level.

Allison K. Pymer
Temple University
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemistry. Conduct research on molecular and atomic processes, investigating and identifying materials that remove and alleviate various groundwater and airborne pollutants.

Alison A. Smith
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Major(s): Biology/Chemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. Conduct full-time research studying neurological diseases at a medical school.

South Carolina

Nidhi Kumar
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Major(s): Biology/Business Administration
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Cardiovascular Disease. Conduct research on cardiovascular diseases, focusing on the study of congestive heart failure.

South Dakota

Zeljko Dvanajscak
University of South Dakota
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Neurobiology/Neurology. Conduct research at a medical research university or research institute on the basic, translational and clinical levels of neurobiological research.

Tennessee

Samuel R. Barrett
Stevens Institute of Technology
Major(s): Computer Science
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Computer Science. Conduct research in the field of artificial intelligence.

Robert T. Zellem
Villanova University
Major(s): Astronomy/Astrophysics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics. Work for NASA.

Texas

Michelle M. Adams
Southern Methodist University
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemistry. Conduct research developing and enhancing products and processes.

John P. Casey, Jr
Louisiana State University & Agricultural & Mechanical College
Major(s): Biological Systems Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. Conduct research into more practical therapies which will apply to a broad range of diseases.

Abigail F. Olena
Hendrix College
Major(s): Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct research in my own biochemical research lab, teach and mentor graduate or undergraduate students.

Kelli M. Rankin
University of Texas at Austin
Major(s): Petroleum Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering. Conduct research on methane hydrates and teach at the university level.

Utah

Kellen K. Petersen
University of Utah
Major(s): Physics/Mathematics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics/Applied Mathematics. Conduct research at a college or university and help students become excited about science and scientific research.

Keith H. Warnick
Utah State University
Major(s): Physics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biophysics. Conduct research with the overall goal of improving the duration and quality of human life.

Vermont

Heather McLaughlin
University of Vermont
Major(s): Biochemistry/Chemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct innovative medical research either in biochemistry, pharmacology or molecular genetics at either a university or pharmaceutical company.

Virginia

Derek R. Austin
Virginia Commonwealth University
Major(s): Bioinformatics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Human Genetics. Conduct/lead a research lab focusing on the issue of celiac disease and other immunological disorders with strong genetic components.

Christina R. Blue
George Mason University
Major(s): Geology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Geomorphology. Conduct research and discover ways to preserve the coastal environment better and protect its many life forms.

George W. Flathers, III
Virginia Military Institute
Major(s): Electrical Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. Conduct research to develop electrical engineering technology in avionics while incorporating human factor needs to increase safety and efficiency of general, commercial, and military aviation.

Emma J. Garren
Davidson College
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Developmental Neurobiology. Conduct research on disease processes in model organisms, and apply research to clinical trials to maintain efficient cooperative links between clinical practice/bench science.

Rachel C. Klet
University of Virginia
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Chemistry. Conduct research as a principal investigator in own lab and teach chemistry at the university level.

Katherine M. Kross
James Madison University
Major(s): ACS Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Neurochemistry or Biochemistry. Conduct research in industry or university emphasizing current knowledge relevant to neural development/biochemical origins of disease to the public.

Elizabeth K. Proffitt
Virginia Commonwealth University
Major(s): Biomedical Engineering/Chemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. Conduct research that will improve the lives and well being of people, bringing together medical care and lab research to advance diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

Timothy M. Reichart
University of Virginia
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. Conduct research that is scientifically valuable and has a positive impact on society, and teach the next generation of scientists at the university level.

Thomas R. Reppert
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Major(s): Aerospace Engineering
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Astronautics. Conduct research on attitude dynamics of space vehicles to enhance understanding of the impact of attitude stabilization techniques on space mission performance.

Amanda B. Shaw
Catholic University of America
Major(s): Mathematics/English
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics. Conduct research and teach at college or university level.

Teresa J. Wojtasiewicz
Barnard College
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Hematology. Conduct/head an academic research lab involved in research of the metabolism of HIV, and teach at the university or medical school level.

Washington

Jennifer L. Bufford
Willamette University
Major(s): Biology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biology. Conduct research and teach at a small liberal arts college.

Michelle D. Leibrand
University of San Diego
Major(s): Chemistry
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Marine Biomedicine. Conduct research of novel pharmaceuticals from marine microorganisms and devote some time to public education of important issues in health.

Mei Liu
University of Washington
Major(s): Electrical Engineering
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. Conduct research to improve and advance biological sensors for early medical diagnoses of deadly diseases.

Stephanie J. Tintinger
Washington State University
Major(s): Biochemistry/Genetics
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Conduct research on the molecular nature of cancer at a university level and teach.

Wisconsin

Mark J. Hoegger
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Major(s): Biochemistry
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Ophthalmology/Visual Sciences. Conduct/head medical research lab, studying the pathology of glaucoma related injury in hopes of finding clinical applications for treatment of the disease at a medical school.

Mark A. Krines
Saint Norbert College
Major(s): Mathematics/Philosophy
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Mathematics. Conduct research and teach mathematics at the university level.

Shane M. Pearce
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Major(s): Molecular Biology
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. Conduct research on disease mechanisms in conjunction with epidemiological studies and clinical research.

Merilie A. Reynolds
Smith College
Major(s): Geology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Ocean/Atmospheric Science. Conduct research to strengthen understanding of climate and climate change.

Noelle J. Van Ee
University of Miami
Major(s): Marine Science/Geology
Career Goal: Ph.D. in Marine Science/Geology. Conduct research of the beach environment so that development and maintenance of beaches employ proper stewardship of important ecological habitat and taxpayer money.

Derek K. Zachman
University of Colorado-Boulder
Major(s): Physiology
Career Goal: M.D./Ph.D. in Sports Medicine/Cardiovascular Physiology. Conduct cardiovascular research.