DATE: April 18, 2008

CONTACT: Stephen Wainscott, (864) 656-4762
shwns@clemson.edu

WRITER: Teresa C. Hopkins, (864) 656-1222
hopkin1@clemson.edu

Clemson students recognized by Goldwater Scholarship organization

CLEMSON – Two Clemson University students have been named Goldwater Scholars for the 2008-09 academic year.

Shannon Edd, a junior mechanical engineering major from Rochester, Minn., and Julee Alaina Floyd, a junior chemical engineering major from Beaufort, will each receive a scholarship to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. Both students are members of the Calhoun Honors College at Clemson.

Charleston resident Bradley Collins, a junior honors student in computer engineering, received an honorable mention.

Goldwater Scholars are selected on academic merit from a field of 1,035 mathematics, science and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide.

“Shannon is an outstanding student who has a clear vision about integrating science and engineering,” Martine LaBerge, professor and chairwoman of bioengineering at Clemson, said about Edd. “She exemplifies the unique training and education that the mechanical engineering department provides to its students; where students are challenged to succeed through innovation and leadership.”
 
Christopher Kitchens, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, said Floyd is one of the top undergraduate students in the program.

“Alaina has an impressive academic performance and a long list of extracurricular activities,” Kitchens said. “She has the necessary combination of intellectual aptitude, tireless work ethic and motivation for discovery that makes a successful researcher.”

Collins researches electronic voting security.

“Bradley is an extraordinary student not only in intellect but in his active involvement in advancing his education and understanding how engineering is actually accomplished,” Dennis Stevenson said in nominating Collins for the scholarship.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, who was a soldier and statesman 56 years, including 30 in the Senate.

The purpose of the foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.