University of Albany's Julita Patrosz receives 2008 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Julita Patrosz is fascinated with molecules: their unique shapes, their complexities and their interactions with other molecules in the human body. An aspiring bioinformatics researcher, Patrosz satiated her fascination through research opportunities at the University at Albany-SUNY, leading her on a path toward academic achievement and recognition.

Patrosz, who will be a junior in the fall, was one of 321 college sophomores and juniors nationwide to receive the 2008 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. The award is designed to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in math, the natural sciences and engineering. Patrosz is the 15th UAlbany undergraduate to be chosen for the scholarship since the highly competitive program began in 1986.

"I am interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of the chemistry of life and trying to discover something new," said Patrosz, a biochemistry and molecular biology major and Honors College student. "Then other people can use it to find better medical treatments."

Patrosz has been studying with faculty member Jayanti Pande, associate professor of chemistry, how mutations in the proteins of the eye lens lead to cataracts. Patrosz was paired with Pande through the University's Undergraduate Research Program.

"I am interested in pursuing a deeper understanding of the chemistry of life and trying to discover something new."

Julita Patrosz "The selection of Julita Patrosz for the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is both a glowing testimony to the scholarly excellence of UAlbany's undergraduate student body and emblematic of the University's reputation as a global leader in preparing students to be pioneers in the next-generation fields of scientific research and discovery," said Alain Kaloyeros, faculty representative to the Goldwater Scholarship Program and Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

Goldwater Scholars have very impressive academic qualifications that have garnered the attention of prestigious post-graduate fellowship programs. With the scholarship, Patrosz will receive $15,000 toward undergraduate study over the next two years.

Eventually, Patrosz, of Yonkers, N.Y., would like to earn a Ph.D. and continue the adventure of scientific discovery and exploration that she began at UAlbany.

Courtesy: UAlbany News