Goldwater Scholars

Three Duke students have been selected for Goldwater Scholarships in science, mathematics, and engineering for the 2008-09 academic year.

They were among 321 sophomores and juniors chosen on the basis of academic merit. The award provides up to $7,500 toward annual tuition and expenses.

Duke's scholars are Mark Hallen, Nicholas Patrick, and Daniel Roberts, all rising seniors. Stephen Devience, also a rising senior, received an honorable mention.

"Each of these students is creating and applying robust mathematical and computational models to the solution of problems in their respective disciplines," says Mary Nijhout, associate dean of Trinity College of Arts and Sciences.

Hallen, from Cary, North Carolina, is double-majoring in chemistry and mathematics. He has co-authored two publications with his mentor, professor Sharyn Endow, and colleagues in the department of cell biology. His current research involves applying mathematical techniques to studies of the structure of proteins in their natural environments. He plans to pursue a doctorate in the field of mathematical modeling.

Patrick, from Bel Air, Maryland, is majoring in computer science and has an interest in structural biology and bioinformatics. With mentor Bruce Donald, William and Sue Gross Professor of computer science and biochemistry, Patrick is devising and refining computational methods for nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of protein structures. He plans to pursue a doctorate in computational biology.

Roberts, from Melville, New York, is a physics and electrical and computer engineering double major. In the laboratory of David R. Smith, Augustine Scholar and associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, Roberts is exploring the use of practical innovations in transformation optics and concepts of metamaterials. He plans to pursue a doctorate in physics.