UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Three Penn State juniors have been named Goldwater Scholars by the Barry M. Goldwater Foundation, which recognizes undergraduate students in the fields of natural science, engineering and mathematics who are interested in a career in research.
This year’s Goldwater Scholars from Penn State are:
- Eilene Deng, of State College, Pennsylvania, majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, with a minor in music performance;
- Peter Forstmeier, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology; and
- Bryce Katch, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, double majoring in chemical engineering and biochemistry and molecular biology.
Wendy Hanna-Rose, professor and department head of biochemistry and molecular biology, said it was a privilege to support such “amazing” students.
“After 20 years in the department, I continue to be inspired by their passion, vision, dedication and hard work,” Hanna-Rose said. “We are proud of Eilene, Peter and Bryce and pleased that their academic excellence and promise is being recognized in such a prominent way. On behalf of the whole department, I wish to congratulate each of them and to amplify the message inherent in this award of confidence in their ability to excel in science. “
Deng said she came to Penn State seeking programs that emphasize undergraduate research, and found that focus through the Schreyer Honors College and Millennium Scholars Program. During her first year, Deng had her first research experience with the Gilmour Lab under David Gilmour, professor of molecular and cell biology. Deng’s work has focused on studying a phenomenon called promoter-proximal pausing. After her first year, she conducted research at UTHealth McGovern Medical School and this summer intends to conduct research at Rockefeller University.