2 students named Goldwater scholars
Pitt students Zachary A. Barnes and Joseph P. Johnston are among 260 undergraduates nationwide who have been named 2015 Goldwater Scholars.
The 2015 Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,206 applicants, according to the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.
Barnes is majoring in computer engineering and computer science. His career goal is to earn a PhD in computer engineering and to conduct embedded-systems research with a focus on personal robotics, prostheses and other real-world applications.
Johnston is majoring in physics and mathematics. His goal is to earn a PhD in high-energy particle physics and teach at the university level.
The scholarships, which honor Sen. Barry Goldwater, aid outstanding students who are pursuing careers in math, the natural sciences and engineering.
The one- and two-year scholarships, awarded to sophomores and juniors, provide up to $7,500 per year for tuition, fees, books and room and board.
The University has had a total of 45 Goldwater winners since 1995.
In addition, Pitt students Reggie J. Caginalp, who is majoring in physics and astronomy and in math, and Zachary A. Eddinger, who is majoring in chemistry and in history and philosophy of science, earned honorable mentions in the 2015 scholarship award competition.
Since 1989, the foundation has bestowed 7,428 scholarships worth approximately $48 million. Approximately 200 Goldwater scholarships are to be awarded for the 2016 academic year.
—Kimberly K. Barlow