Distinguished Professor Scholarship Recipients
In addition to receiving the lifetime designation of Distinguished Professor, awardees also have the honor of naming one student annually to receive the Distinguished Professor Scholarship, a scholarship that covers a full year’s tuition. Meet the 2010-11 Distinguished Professor Scholarship recipients:
Eli Rexford Chambers, Music Composition, Percussion Performance
A native of Hurricane, W. Va., Eli is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Music Composition and Percussion Performance. He received the Distinguished Professor Scholarship from Distinguished Professor of Music Mark Phillips.
Of the award, he says, “This scholarship is truly the only opportunity I would have had to be able to attend Ohio University, and to be the recipient of such an award is incredibly gratifying. Not only is it the financial boost I needed, but it is an assurance that this program is interested in me as a student and as an artist.”
In addition to receiving this honor, he has received numerous accolades for his talents prior to and while attending Ohio University. In 2008, he was an attendee at the West Virginia Governor's School for the Arts for instrumental Music, percussion. In 2009 and 2010, he received a “superior” rating in the West Virginia Solo & Ensemble Festival. Other recognitions include compositions commissioned for use in Ohio University undergraduate senior thesis project; First Chair All-State Orchestra; and arranged a percussion feature for 2010 Capital High School Marching Band competition season.
Upon graduation from Ohio University, Eli plans to compose or arrange for musical theatre, amateur/professional ensembles, and school ensembles.
Tianjiao Chen, Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering
A native of Beijing, China, Tianjiao came to Ohio University to pursue bachelor’s degrees in engineering physics and mechanical engineering. Her research interests include condensed matter and surface science. She was honored with the Distinguished Professor Scholarship Award by Distinguished Professor of Physics David Drabold.
Of the award, she says, “It is a great relief for me financially so that I can fully focus on my academic study and research. In addition, it has been a great encouragement for me to achieve higher goals.”
In addition to this honor, which she also received in 2008 and 2009, Tianjiao was recognized as the top senior in the Depart of Mechanical Engineering. Upon her graduation, she plans to apply for a graduate program in engineering physics and/or design engineering field.
Kent Eugene Clements, Journalism
A native of Mount Blanchard, Ohio, Kent is majoring in journalism with a specialization in history and Russian. His research interests include American fly-fishing literature and Hocking River conservation. He received the Distinguished Professor Scholarship from Distinguished Professor of English Robert DeMott.
Of the award, he says, “This award means the world to me two times over, both because of its financial implications and, more importantly, because it came from a professor whom I deeply respect.”
Upon graduation from Ohio University, he plans to attend graduate school in pursuit of teaching at the college level. And, an avid fly-fisherman, he hopes to one day name trout fishing as his profession.
Erin Coyle, Biological Sciences/Pre-Medicine
A native of Fairfield, Ohio, Erin is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences/pre-medicine. Her research is focused neuromuscular physiology. A second time recipient of the award, she received the Distinguished Professor Scholarship from Distinguished Professor of Anatomy Robert Hikida.
Of the award, she says, “I am incredibly honored to be chosen for this prestigious award and am very thankful to Dr. Hikida for plucking me out of the sea of other worthy applicants. It inspires me to maintain academic excellence throughout the rest of my collegiate career.”
She adds, “My time at Ohio University is easily developing into one of the best experiences of my life.”
In addition to this honor, she received the Gateway Scholarship. In high school, she was awarded the John Prazynski Memorial Scholarship, The Joe Nuxhall Athletic Scholar Scholarship, The OHSAA Scholarship, and the United States Army Reserve Student Athlete Award.
Erin plans to attend medical school after she graduates from Ohio University and pursue her professional interests in medicine including surgery, pathology, and anesthesiology.
Andrew Ghiloni, Plant Biology
A native of Newark, Ohio, Andrew is pursuing a degree in plant biology. His research areas of interest include sustainable agriculture and alternative medicine. He received the Distinguished Professor Scholarship from Distinguished Professor of Plant Biology Gar Rothwell.
Of the award, he says, "This award is a true honor which furthers my faith that I am doing exactly what I need to be doing at this point in my life.”
He also adds, “Ohio University has been a really great place for me to learn and discover new things. I will miss it here when I graduate this June. Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way.”
In addition to this award, Andrew received the Thomas and Edna Wolfe Junior Scholarship and the C. Paul and Beth K. Stocker Scholarship.
Once he graduates, Andrew plans to travel and continue to learning new things, including how to better heal people through love and understanding.
Davis Kramer, Interactive Multimedia
A native of Athens, Ohio, Davis came to Ohio University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Interactive Multimedia with a minor in Management Information Systems and specialization in Digital Media Motion Graphics. Her research interests include interaction design and database design. She received the Distinguished Professor Scholarship from Distinguished Professor of Psychology Kenneth Holroyd.
Of the awards, she says, “The Distinguished Professor Scholarship Award has given me the opportunity to research and implement Interaction Design in the Psychology field.”
She also adds, “There is a wide range of opportunities available to all students at Ohio University. Students who take advantage of those opportunities benefit themselves academically and socially.”
After graduation, she plans to purse professional opportunities as a User Experience Designer in New York City, Chicago, and Columbus.
Christopher Matgourains, Economics and Political Science
A native of Avon Lake, Ohio, Christopher is pursing bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science. His areas of research include healthcare economics and cost affordability issues within higher education. He received the Distinguished Professor Scholarship from Distinguished Professor of Economics Richard Vedder.
Of the award, he says, “It is an honor to receive this award. It let me know that hard work can pay off.”
In addition to this award, Christopher has received numerous accolades and recognitions including the Dean’s list, Dean’s Scholarship, Gateway Scholarship, and serving as research assistant for the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.
Christopher will be attending law school this fall.
Anna Opitz, Engineering Physics
A Native of Westerville, Ohio, Anna came to Ohio University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics. Her research interest includes Optical Tweezer Manipulation of Molecular Motors and Trackways. She received the Distinguished Professor Scholarship from Distinguished Professor of Physics Steven Grimes.
Of the award, she says, “It is an extreme honor. I feel an immense sense of pride in my studies and research conducted at Ohio University.”
In addition to receiving the Distinguished Professor Scholarship, she has received numerous recognitions for her achievements including serving as Rotary Cultural Ambassador, 2006-10 Dean’s List, and the John Edwards Scholarship.
Anna plans to live abroad and obtain her master’s degree upon graduation from Ohio University.
Cheyenne Romick, Biochemistry
A native of New Matamoras, Ohio, Cheyenne is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. Her research interests include molecular nitric oxide and its operations in the body. She received her Distinguished Professor Scholarship from Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry Tadeusz Malinski.
Of the award, she says, “I was astonished and grateful to receive the award, and I will honor the gift by furthering my education responsibly.”
In addition to this honor, she has been recognized by the National Honors Society and Talented and Gifted Students. She also received the Gateway Scholarship and was named her high school’s valedictorian.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Cheyenne plans to pursue her doctorate degree in biochemistry and become a professor.
Mary Wise, History
A native of Bellbrook, Ohio, Mary is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history. Her research is focused on Native American resistance movements in early colonial America. A first time recipient of the award, she received her Distinguished Professor Scholarship from Distinguished Professor of History Alonzo Hamby.
Of the award, she says, “This award is so generous. I could not be more grateful. More than the tuition waiver, I am truly grateful to get to know Dr. Hamby and to benefit from his experience and his advice.”
She adds, “Ohio University has become like a second home to me. I could not be more grateful to the faculty in the History Department. Everyone in the department is approachable and friendly.”
In addition to this award, she has received the Fr. Jansen Memorial Scholarship, Middletown Community Service Scholarship, Honors History Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, and William C. Harris Scholarship.
After she receives her degree from Ohio University, Mary plans to study the impact of Native American resistance movements in early America and pursue her master’s and doctoral degrees in American history, focusing on Native American studies.
