Three University of Maryland Students Awarded Goldwater Scholarships

College Park, Md. -- Three University of Maryland students have been awarded scholarships by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, which was established in 1986 to encourage students to pursue advanced study and careers in the sciences, engineering and mathematics. This year, Maryland is one of a handful of colleges nationwide with three or more award recipients.

	Zachary Russ

Maryland's three Goldwater scholars are: junior Sarah Peitzmeier, sophomore Zachary Russ and junior John Silberholz. Each scholar will receive a one or two-year scholarships that covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board -- up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. The scholarships are also a stepping-stone to future support for their research careers, according to the foundation.

	John Silberholz

"Maryland's trio of Goldwater scholars are truly exceptional examples of the outstanding young researchers here at College Park," said Robert Infantino, the university's Goldwater mentor and associate dean in the College of Chemical and Life Sciences. "Each has had deep and extensive research experiences in exciting fields. They are accomplished students and leaders, and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments and can look forward to big contributions from them in the future."

	Sarah Peitzmeier

Peitzmeier, of Silver Spring, Md., is a cell biology and molecular genetics major and music performance major. She is a member of the University Honors and GEMSTONE Honors programs and is a recipient of the Banneker-Key Scholarship. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in immunology.

Russ, of Gaithersburg, Md., is majoring in bioengineering and mathematics. He is the recipient of a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Fellowship for undergraduate education in the biological sciences. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in bioengineering.

Silberholz, of Rockville, Md., is majoring in mathematics, computer science and business. He is a member of the University Honors and GEMSTONE Honors programs, and past recipient of the John Gannon Portal and Higginbotham scholarships. Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in applied mathematics or operations research.

Maryland's Goldwater scholars are among 278 sophomores and juniors nationwide, chosen from 1,097 nominations. Colleges and universities can submit up to four nominations annually for these awards.

The Goldwater Scholarship Program, honoring Senator Barry M. Goldwater, was created to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering. It is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields. In its more than twenty-year history, the Foundation has awarded more than 5,801 scholarships worth approximately $54 million.

For more information on the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence In Education Foundation click here