Two SUNY Geneseo students have received prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships for 2017.
Juniors Jeffrey Doser, a biology/mathematics double major from Penfield, N.Y., and Lara Finnerty-Haggerty, a biology major from Brooklyn, N.Y., were among the 240 recipients of scholarships that the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awarded to juniors and sophomores from the United States who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. The winning students were selected on academic merit from a field of 1,286 students nominated by institutional representatives from 470 colleges and universities nationwide. Honorable mentions were awarded to an additional 307 nominees. The award covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board to a maximum of $7,500 per year.
The awards bring to 20 the number of Geneseo students to win a Goldwater since the scholarship’s inception in 1989 and it is the fifth time the college has had double winners. Eleven of Geneseo’s Goldwater Scholarship winners are women. The college also has had seven Honorable Mentions over the years.
"Geneseo’s continuing success with the Goldwater Program speaks to the quality of undergraduate research opportunities afforded our STEM majors by faculty mentors and the remarkable talent of the students like Lara and Jeff who are dedicated to developing as scientists,” said Michael Mills, director of national fellowships and scholarships. “Jeff and Lara will join a distinguished group of Geneseo Goldwater Scholars dating back to the college’s first winner, Rebecca Surman in 1991, alumni who are standouts in their disciplines and contributing to important scientific innovations and discoveries."
Doser said receiving the Goldwater Scholarship is extremely humbling. “It’s reflective of the outstanding opportunities available at Geneseo for undergraduate research under the guidance of fantastic faculty and staff,” he said.
Finnerty-Haggerty had a similar response, saying she is incredibly honored. “Biological sciences have fascinated me since I was a little girl, and I am so grateful for the support from the Barry Goldwater Foundation and my mentors in helping me realize my dreams of becoming a career biologist,” she said.
Mills also commended Olympia Nicodemi, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Mathematics, for her continued dedication and skill with mentoring the students applying for the Goldwater Program. He also acknowledged faculty members Kristina Hannam, Jennifer Apple, Gregg Hartvigsen, Kurt Fletcher, Ed Pogozelski, Aaron Steinhauer and Kevin Militello for their support in the application process.
Media Contact:
David Irwin
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