University Times

Three University Honors College students have been recognized in the 2009 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program.

The scholarships, which cover up to $7,500 in undergraduate tuition and expenses, are awarded to students who have outstanding potential and intend to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering.

Elizabeth Oczypok and Andrew Savinov were named Goldwater Scholars. Patrick Vescovi received honorable mention.

Oczypok, a junior majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, plans to earn a doctorate in molecular biology. Her career goal is to conduct biomedical research and teach at the university level.

Andrew Savinov, a sophomore, is majoring in chemistry and molecular biology. His career goal is to earn a doctoral degree in biochemistry and to conduct research in molecular biology/biochemistry and teach at the university level. Savinov is the son of Pitt mathematics professor Anna Vainchtein and Pitt physics professor Vladimir Savinov.

Vescovi, a junior, is majoring in chemical engineering and bioengineering. His career goal is to earn a medical doctorate in radiology and a PhD in bioengineering. He plans to conduct research in regenerative medicine and teach at the university level.

Congress established the scholarship in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, whose service to the nation included 30 years in the U.S. Senate. Four-year institutions are eligible to nominate up to four students who are in the sophomore or junior class during the 2008-09 academic year. For the 2009-10 academic year, 278 scholarships were awarded to undergraduate sophomores and juniors.

In its 21-year history, the Goldwater Foundation has awarded 5,801 scholarships worth approximately $56 million.