Gustavus Adolphus College sophomore Benjamin Johnson-Tesch has received honorable mention recognition from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.
The foundation awarded 278 scholarships for the 2010-11 academic year to undergraduate sophomores and juniors from throughout the United States. Another 169 students, like Johnson-Tesch, received honorable mention recognition.
The scholarship recipients and honorable mention designees were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,111 mathematics, science, and engineering students who were nominated by the faculty members of their colleges and universities.
Under the advisement of Assistant Professor of Biology and Chemistry Brenda Kelly, Johnson-Tesch has been studying the enzyme gamma-glutamylcysteineligase (gamma-GCL), an enzyme that is prominent in cancer cells. His research involves determining and analyzing compounds that can inhibit this enzyme and therefore, make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and other treatments.
Johnson-Tesch is a chemistry and biochemistry and molecular biology double major from Eden Prairie, Minn. He is the son of William and Teri Johnson-Tesch and a 2008 graduate of Eden Prairie High School. He is also a member of the Gustavus Wind Orchestra and Trombone Choir.
“I am extremely honored to have received this award from the Goldwater Foundation, but most of all I am honored to represent Gustavus Adolphus College and the strong academics that it has provided me the last two years,” Johnson-Tesch said. “The faculty at Gustavus have encouraged and challenged me to work my hardest and do what I love most.”
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. 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. In its 24-year history, the Foundation has awarded 6,079 scholarships worth approximately $58 million.
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