4/27/98
Contacts: Martin Bell, (740) 589-2827;
mbell@plato.phy.ohiou.edu
Joseph Shields, (740) 593-0336;
shields@nebula.phy.ohiou.edu
ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University junior Martin Bell has been named a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar for the 1998-99 academic year for his achievements in the study of physics. Bell, one of 316 undergraduate students chosen from a field of 1,186 nominees, is the second Ohio University student to receive the award since its inception in 1986.
The award, which carries a $7,500 scholarship, is given annually to mathematics, science and engineering students who are nominated by faculty at their respective college or university. It is the most selective award of its kind in the country.
Bell, from Zanesville, says the award reinforces his childhood dream to make science his life's work.
"It gives me a confidence in my ability to go into science as a career," he says. "It tells me that what I'm studying is really what I want to do."
To be considered for the award, a student must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement as well as a commitment to pursuing a career involving research. Almost all of this year's winners intend to obtain a doctoral degree in their respective fields.
Bell has a 3.75 overall GPA and a 3.95 GPA in physics and math. He has worked with Larry Wilen, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, on an independent research project examining how crystals line up in ice, which, among other uses, can help date ice core samples. From that work he has received an additional $3,000 scholarship from NASA and the Ohio Space Grant Consortium. Also, this summer he will participate in the highly selective Research Experience for Undergraduates program at Ohio State University as a research assistant for a physics professor.
Bell plans to pursue his doctoral degree immediately following graduation and eventually plans to teach and conduct research at a government laboratory. He wants to concentrate his research on applying physics to solutions for environmental problems.
At the urging of Joseph Shields, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, Bell began working on the award's lengthy application in September. It included a series of short-answer questions, faculty references and a 500-word essay. Bell's essay was titled "Physics: The Science of Solutions" and discussed efforts to improve radioactive waste containment.
"When you have 1,200 people applying from the top schools in the country, it's pretty amazing to be selected," Bell says. "It was a shock."
"He's a very bright student," Shields said. "He has a wonderful attitude toward his studies, he's curious and motivated. He's a pleasure to work with."
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has awarded 2,407 scholarships worth approximately $25 million dollars. It is a federally endowed agency that encourages outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. Every year sophomores and juniors from all 50 states and Puerto Rico are awarded one- or two-year awards.