Gina Quiram, a Gustavus Adolphus College junior from St. Peter, Minn., has been awarded a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for her studies in biology.
Quiram plans to earn her undergraduate degree in biology and continue her academic work, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in conservation botany. Afterward, she plans to teach biology at a school like Gustavus, continuing research “because I love both teaching and learning.”
“Receiving the Goldwater Scholarship will allow me to focus on my research with Cindy Johnson-Groh at Gustavus this summer,” Quiram said. “I believe that the opportunities I have had at Gustavus helped me to earn [the scholarship]. I have been able to work closely with faculty, gaining hands-on experience in an energetic and positive environment where people are excited about biology,” Quiram added in an e-mail from Vietnam where she is completing a semester-long study abroad program.
“Gina is a delightful and very deserving student. She is fascinated with biology and is filled with endless enthusiasm about learning,” said Johnson-Groh, associate professor of biology. “She demonstrates the best in a learner: she loves biology, is motivated to learn all she can about it, and in turn teaches others. Gina is one of those individuals whom I know will make a difference in this world no matter what she pursues.”
Goldwater scholarships are considered the premier scholarships in scientific and mathematical disciplines. Recipients are undergraduates planning on earning a Ph.D. in their respective fields of study. Of 1,091 applicants in 2005, 320 were selected based on their academic merit in mathematics, science, and engineering. The scholarship is a federally endowed program distributed annually through The Goldwater Foundation and assists with tuition, fees, books, room, and board expenses. The program has been operating for 17 years, awarding 4,562 scholarships amounting to approximately $45 million.
Trevor Potter, a junior from Bemidji, Minn., received an honorable mention from the foundation.
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