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St. Olaf student awarded Goldwater scholarship

By Kari VanDerVeen
April 1, 2008

St. Olaf student Paul Nichol '09 is among the 321 undergraduate sophomores and juniors nationwide who were recently awarded prestigious Barry M. Goldwater scholarships for 2008-09.

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Established by Congress in 1986 to foster and encourage excellence in science and mathematics, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is awarded annually to students who demonstrate outstanding potential and who intend to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. The one- and two-year scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

One of the most important parts of the scholarship application is an essay in which the candidate discusses an issue or problem in his or her field of study. Nichol, a chemistry major, wrote a research proposal that involves the use of biophysical methods to study a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease.

"Preparing the Goldwater application and other research proposals this year has helped me to identify as an important goal for my research the task of using both theoretical and experimental methods to explore the same chemical problems," Nichol says.

Nichol entered St. Olaf with intentions of pursuing a pre-medical course of study. After taking a course in experimental biochemistry with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Greg Muth, however, Nichol became interested in chemical research.

"Since then I have been fortunate to be able to pursue that interest in the classroom as a chemistry major, and in the lab as a summer researcher here at St. Olaf," Nichol says, noting that Muth and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Jeff Schwinefus have served as generous research mentors to him. In addition to the support he received from the college and its chemistry department, Nichol also credits Professor of Biology Anne Walter and Associate Professor of Chemistry Doug Beussman '92 for their assistance in preparing his Goldwater application.

This year Nichol has focused his efforts on studying physical and biophysical chemistry. He plans to earn his Ph.D. in those areas of study and eventually would like to conduct research in those fields and either teach at the university level or work in the private sector.

The 2008-09 Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,035 mathematics, science and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. In addition to Nichol receiving a Goldwater scholarship, St. Olaf junior Emily Segar '09 was recognized with an honorable mention.

Since 1995, 26 St. Olaf students have received Goldwater Scholarships.

Contact Kari VanDerVeen at 507-786-3970 or vanderve@stolaf.edu.