EUGENE–Two University of Oregon science students gained recognition recently as among the nation’s top undergraduates in science and mathematics when they received the nationally renowned Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship.

Anna S. Barnett and Shannon Boettcher, both of Eugene, were among the 302 college sophomores and juniors–157 men and 145 women–nationwide awarded the scholarship for 2001-2002. The one- and two-year scholarships are specifically awarded to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

Another UO student, Benjamin J. Andrews of Portland, won an honorable mention.

The 2001 Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,164 mathematics, science and engineering students, nominated by the faculties of 521 colleges and universities nationwide.

Barnett is a sophomore biology major and a resident of 1227 W. 10th Ave., Eugene. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she plans to enter graduate school and earn a Ph.D. in biology and to conduct research and teach at the university level.

Boettcher is a sophomore chemistry major with a physics minor in the university’s Robert D. Clark Honors College and is a resident of 244 E. 16th Ave., Apt. 1, Eugene. After finishing his undergraduate degree, he plans to enter graduate school and pursue a Ph.D. in materials chemistry.

Andrews is a senior geological sciences major and is a resident of 2533 S.E. Taylor St., Portland. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in volcanology and to conduct research in volcano hazard mitigation or submarine volcanism at a university or with an agency such as the U.S. Geological Survey.

The federally endowed recognition program was established in 1986 by the U.S. Congress to honor Sen. Barry M. Goldwater. Its purpose is to foster and encourage excellence in science and mathematics by encouraging 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 13 years, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has awarded 3,323 scholarships worth approximately $33 million.

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