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Date 4-19-06
Contact Chinika Hood 601.266.5568
WITH
PHOTO
Hattiesburg—Neil
Treat, a junior majoring in polymer science at the University of
Southern Mississippi, was recently named a 2006 Goldwater Scholarship
recipient.
The Hattiesburg native was one of 323 out of 1,081 students nationwide
to receive the prestigious award based on academic merit in the
fields of mathematics, science and engineering. He was awarded $7,500,
enough to cover the cost of tuition fees, books, and room and board
for a year.
Created to pay
tribute to Sen. Barry M. Goldwater in 1986, the endowed recognition
program was established by the U.S. Congress to foster and encourage
excellence in science and mathematics among college sophomores and
juniors.
“Winning the
scholarship is a great honor because it essentially lets me know
that experienced scientists think I have what it takes to be at
the top of my field in the future,” said Treat, whose work recently
appeared in Macromolecules, a premier polymer journal.
Goldwater nominees,
many of whom have dual majors, were selected by the faculties of
their colleges and universities. It was Treat’s dedication in the
areas of science and technology that grabbed the attention of Southern
Miss polymer science professor Dr. Charles McCormick.
“I quickly
realized Neil's talents in the laboratory and the classroom and
nominated him for the prestigious Goldwater Award,” said McCormick.
“Neil seems to especially love laboratory research and thrives on
new challenges.”
College of Science
and Technology Dean Rex Gandy said, “Treat is an outstanding representative
of the College and the university and is richly deserving of this
award. This award definitely speaks to the high quality of students
within the College, which emphasizes undergraduate research and
community service in addition to academic excellence, and these
are the attributes that lead to successful Goldwater applicants.”
In its 18th
year, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation
has awarded 4,885 scholarships worth approximately $48 million.
Treat is the
15th Southern Miss student to earn a Goldwater Scholarship. His
plans include pursuit of a doctoral degree in either chemistry or
chemical engineering. This summer, he will participate in a polymer
science undergraduate research program at the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology.
Click to enlarge
University of Southern Mississippi polymer science major Neil Treat competed against 1,000 students nationwide in a quest for the prestigious 2006 Goldwater Scholarship Award. The award is given based on academic merit in the fields of mathematics, science and engineering. (Submitted Photo)
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