Miranda Kim '06 and Ellen Leffler '06 have been named Barry M. Goldwater Scholars. They are two of 320 sophomores and juniors who were recognized out of 1,091 undergraduate mathematics, science and engineering students nationwide. The award includes a scholarship, which covers expenses for tuition, fees, books and room and board for up to a maximum of $7,500 yearly.

Faculties of four-year institutions across the country were allowed to nominate up to four students for the award. "First there was an internal selection process [at the College]. All applicants filled out 3-4 essay questions. Then the applicant went through an interview process with the Amherst fellowship committee," said Kim. "After the interview process, the professors of the committee nominated four students."

Kim discovered that she was a recipient from a friend who told her the news. "I actually found out from my friend who instead of writing his thesis was procrastinating and happened to check the Goldwater Web site," she said. "I was very surprised-ok, not just very surprised-I was in shock."

In the future, Kim hopes to conduct cancer research with a focus on modifying tumor suppressor genes. "I hope to pursue either an M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. after Amherst to become a physician or physician-scientist," she said. Leffler plans to earn a Ph.D. in biomedical research and to research new methods for diagnosing and treating diseases.

Established by Congress in 1986, the scholarship honors Barry M. Goldwater, who served as a soldier and statesman for 56 years. The scholarship, sponsored by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, encourages an ongoing source of talented mathematicians, scientists and engineers by recognizing high-achieving college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields. Kim, a biology major, plans to enter the medical profession. Leffler is a biology and French major; she is currently studying at the School for International Training in Madagascar.