04-20-09

Goran Micevic. Photo by Dave Gieseke.

Iowa State University student receives Goldwater Scholarship

AMES, Iowa -- An Iowa State University student who plans on becoming a biomedical researcher has been named a Goldwater Scholar for 2009-10. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering.

Goran Micevic, a third-year student in biochemistry from Belgrade, Serbia, is among 278 college students nationwide selected for the competitive scholarship. Katherine Tsamis, a third-year student in biology from Cedar Rapids, received honorable mention.

The Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,035 students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. 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.

"Universities may nominate up to four students each year for the Goldwater," said Dana Schumacher, assistant director of the University Honors Program. "Our nominees compete first for the campus endorsement. Then they prepare applications for the national competition."

Last summer, Micevic interned as a visiting scientist at the renowned German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. Working in the field of analytical biochemistry (proteomics), Micevic used a mass spectrometer -- a sophisticated analytical tool -- to investigate brain tumors in mice and study protein-protein interactions.

At Iowa State, Micevic conducts undergraduate research related to gene expression in the laboratory of Kristen Johansen, a professor in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. He plans to pursue a combined M.D.-Ph.D. program with a doctoral degree in biochemistry.

The Goldwater Scholarships are presented by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, which was established in 1986 as a federally endowed agency. The scholarship program fosters and encourages outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. Over the past 21 years, the foundation has awarded 5,801 scholarships worth about $56 million. Many Goldwater Scholars go on to earn Rhodes Scholarships, Marshall Awards and other distinguished fellowships.

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