Mak named 2005 Goldwater Scholar

Mak named 2005 Goldwater ScholarApril 13, 2005Sara Millersemortim@syr.edu

Mimi Mak of Staten Island, N.Y., a sophomore chemistry and psychology major in The College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University, has been named by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation as a 2005 Goldwater Scholar.

For this prestigious award, Mak was selected as one of 320 scholars from a pool of 1,091 student nominees from 427 post-secondary institutions. Goldwater Scholars are selected for their academic merit from the fields of mathematics, science and engineering. The two-year scholarships cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

“It’s a great honor to be named as a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar,” says Mak. “Now that I am a Goldwater Scholar, I feel that greater things are expected of me. I believe that I can make an impact in the world through chemistry because there are new discoveries occurring everyday that can benefit humanity.”

The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the Senate. The purpose of the foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.

Mak has worked in undergraduate chemical research with Tess Freedman, research professor of chemistry, and is a part of the Renee Crown Honors Program and the Alpha Chi Sigma professional society in chemistry. Her long-term goal is to pursue a research career in chemistry or in the medical field.

“Mimi is a very studious, very dedicated scholar and a great kid,” says James T. Spencer, professor of chemistry and faculty representative to the Goldwater Scholarship program. “Her credentials for this prestigious scholarship really shone through and we were confident in her application.”

Adds Cathryn R. Newton, dean of The College of Arts and Sciences, “Mimi Mak is a highly talented young scholar with great potential. I am delighted that she has been recognized and am certain that she will actualize this potential.”

This summer, Mak will do research in biochemistry in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program at Cal State Fullerton, a research opportunity made possible by the National Science Foundation. Next semester she will be a resident advisor at SU.

Mak is also a volunteer in the pediatrics department at Crouse Hospital. Currently, she is working on a project for the department that involves painting colorful scenes on ceiling tiles, so that young patients can focus on a picture rather than a blank ceiling during treatments. “Art is a hobby of mine,” says Mak.