A Western Illinois University physics and mathematics major
was one nominee from
a field of 1,164 mathematics, science and engineering students
from across
the United States and Puerto Rico selected for the prestigious
Goldwater
Scholarship. Michael Baxa, a junior from Aledo, is the first
WIU student to
receive the federally endowed, highly distinguished scholarship
named in honor
of former Senator Barry M. Goldwater. He was one of 14 Illinois
students singled
out for this distinction. Baxa will receive a $7,500 award for
tuition, fees,
books and room and board.
Working with WIU physics professor Dr. Mark S. Boley, Baxa, a
WIU honors
student, had to submit a report on the research and honors projects
that he has
conducted in Dr. Boley's physics research laboratory to date for
critique by the
judging panel. This report also had to include a discussion of
how this
research fit into his future plans to pursue his Ph.D. in condensed
matter
physics. "There are eight or nine nationally prestigious
scholarships, and this
is one of them," explained Illinois Centennial Honors College
Director Thomas
Helm. "Michael's selection is truly wonderful. It is a testament
to the academic
opportunities that faculty members make available to our students."
According
to the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education
Program, the
purpose of this award is to provide a continuing source of highly-qualified
individuals in science, math and engineering study and research.
Nominees must
pursue advanced degrees following their undergraduate education.
While completing his Bachelor's Degree at WIU, under the direction
of Physics
Honors Advisor Dr. Mark S. Boley, arrangements were made with
Argonne National
Laboratory near Chicago for Baxa to continue related collaborative
work during
the summers of 2000 and 2001. Boley and Baxa have also received
a WIU Honors
Research Grant and have worked on various research projects, presenting
their
research at both regional and national conferences.