Jack DiSciacca ’07 and Greg Peterfreund ’07 were recently awarded the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, which is offered annually to approximately 300 college students across America.
DiSciacca, a Physics and Mathematics double major is considering a Ph.D. in Molecular Physics and planning to conduct research in atomic and molecular physics. Peterfreund, a Molecular Biology and Biochemistry major, plans to obtain an MD-Ph.D. in Microbiology and then conduct research and teach in an academic faculty.
Goldwater scholars are expected to pursue advanced degrees in their departments. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, a maximum of $7,500 annually for up to two years. Recipients who are obtain the scholarship as juniors get $15,000 over two years, while seniors receive $7,500 for one year.
The application process first involves submitting a statement of interest in a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering, detailing how the applicant’s academic program and educational plans will prepare him or her for a future career. In order to qualify for nomination by their university, applicants must rank in the upper quartile of their class.
The second part of the process involves faculty recommendations and an essay in which applicants must describe a pressing problem in their field, outlining a project they plan to undertake to address the problem.
DiSciacca’s project deals with the semiclassical dynamics of molecular hydrogen.
“We employ recurrence spectroscopy to study the semiclassical nature of molecules—fundamental molecules, not the huge chemistry molecules,” DiSciacca said of his project.
The applicants’ experience working in laboratories and on research with faculty allowed faculty to become better acquainted with the students.
“Our nominees have invariably drawn on the work they have done in the laboratory with a Wesleyan faculty member,” said Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Joseph Bruno, who is the Wesleyan representative and administrator of the Goldwater program. “These statements [from nominees] have been of outstanding quality, and so a significant research experience is clearly a strong contributor to our nominees’ success.”
DiSciacca also mentioned the faculty support given to him in the application process.
“I did get a lot of support from the Physics Department, mainly Thomas Morgan and Reinhold Blümel, and also from the Math Department, Carol Wood.” DiSciacca said.
The program, officially titled the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, was created 20 years ago in honor of Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served for 56 years as a soldier and statesman in the United States, including 30 years of service as a senator.
The Goldwater scholarship encourages students who excel in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering to pursue careers in these fields.
The scholarship’s long-term vision is to provide a steady supply of eminently qualified mathematicians, scientists, and engineers who will one day contribute to research and advancement in their respective areas of expertise.
The scholarship emphasizes a commitment to research, such that applicants interested in studying medicine will be eligible only if they plan to pursue a career in medical research instead of as a medical practitioner in a private practice.
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