Florida’s Goldwater Scholars Three USF students have been named Goldwater Scholars for 2014, chosen from a pool of more than 1,000 students nominated through a highly selective process. The award, given to just 238 students nationwide, is the most prestigious undergraduate award for science and research.
and black holes. During the next few months he will focus on an interdisciplinary project using radio antennas to observe the sun and Milky Way, collaborating with students from physics, electrical engineering and computer science. Calzadilla is also starting a physics club on campus.
Michael Calzadilla, Kaitlin Deutsch and Fiona Kearns, all seniors in the Honors College and the College of Arts and Sciences, are the only students in Florida’s public universities to be awarded Goldwaters this year.
Deutsch, a double major in biology and environmental science and policy, is an undergraduate research assistant in amphibian ecology. She is currently studying the behavioral resistance of oak toads to the devastating chytrid fungus. Currently studying abroad in Sydney, Australia, Deutsch intends to pursue a Ph.D. in entomology and/ or ornithology, and hopes to build a career in conservation biology.
Calzadilla, who is double majoring in physics and mathematics, intends to earn a Ph.D. in astrophysics. He recently submitted his first journal publication on active galactic nuclei
Kearns’ recent research on computational chemistry examines the relationship between catalase and nitric oxide. She is also studying the chemical defense mechanism of Antarctic sea sponges. Kearns hopes to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry and conduct research in drug discovery, energy conservation or medical imaging technology. The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater. Award recipients receive $7,500 for educational expenses and research support. LAUREN CHAMBERS | Office of National Scholarships
USF’s Michael Calzadilla, Kaitlin Deutsch and Fiona Kearns are the only students in Florida’s public universities to be awarded Goldwater Scholarships this year. USF MAGAZINE | Summer 2014 9