EUGENE–A University of Oregon science student is the latest recipient of a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, a nationally renowned grant that is awarded to undergraduate sophomores and juniors for their excellent performance in science and mathematics.

Andrew M. Jost of Eugene is among the 309 students–188 men and 121 women–to receive this nationwide scholarship for the 2000-2001 academic year. The one- and two-year scholarships, worth up to a maximum of $7,500 per year, are specifically awarded to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board.

In addition to Jost, other UO students nominated for the Goldwater scholarship were Seren Lanza, a junior biochemistry major of 2916 Ingalls Way, Eugene, and Amy J. Biggs, a junior general science and pre-psychology major of 1017 S.W. 174th Ave., Portland.

Jost, a senior biochemistry and music major, is the son of Donna Jost-Reitz, 406 Kingsbury Ave., and Phillip Jost, 907 Sherwood Place, both of Eugene. A 1997 graduate of Eugene’s North Eugene High School, Jost is interested in drug design or cell-specific drug delivery systems and plans to pursue a career as a biomedical engineer working for a university or private company.

"I am grateful to the Goldwater Scholarship Committee and to my professors, Tom Stevens, Diane Hawley and Jim Long, for writing letters of recommendation that made this opportunity possible," Jost says. He also says the scholarship will allow him to finish his five-year study plan at the UO, which might not have been possible without the scholarship.

During winter term 1999, Jost began working part-time in Stevens’ lab which studies "protein trafficking"–how cells direct new proteins to the proper place. He worked full-time last summer and now spends about 10—20 hours a week on research while school is in session. Jost is responsible for designing his own experiments and techniques for his portion of the research.

His hard work has been recognized by the awards and scholarships he has received. In addition to the Goldwater Scholarship, Jost is the recipient of a UO Presidential Scholarship and a UO College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship, and he was named a UO Mortar Board Junior Scholar. He also performs with one of the UO jazz bands and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Goldwater scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,176 mathematics, science and engineering students. They were nominated by faculty members at colleges and universities nationwide.

Among the Goldwater scholars for the 2000-2001 academic year, 24 are mathematics majors, 206 are science majors, 30 are majoring in engineering, five are computer science-related majors and 44 have dual majors in a variety of mathematics, science, engineering and computer disciplines. Virtually all of these scholars intend to obtain a Ph.D. degree.

The federally endowed scholarship program was established in 1986 to honor the late Sen. Barry M. Goldwater. Its aims are to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. The scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields.

In the past 12 years, trustees of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation that administers the program have awarded 3,021 scholarships worth approximately $31 million.

—30—

#H-2202/Local,OrSci/ey