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

University of Albany's Julita Ewa Patrosz is Selected as Recipient of Prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Julita Ewa Patrosz, a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, receives nation's premier undergraduate award for students engaged in scientific study

Albany, NY - Julita Ewa Patrosz, a UAlbany sophomore who is majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has been chosen as a recipient of the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, the nation's premier undergraduate award for outstanding students in the fields of science, engineering and mathematics.

Ms. Patrosz, who plans to seek a Ph.D. in biology or chemistry and is considering research in the field of bioinformatics as a future career, has a particular interest in the application of mathematics and chemistry to biological problems. Working with her research adviser, Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Jayanti Pande, she is currently engaged in a research program using modern biophysical techniques to understand how mutations in lens proteins lead to the formation of cataracts.

"I am honored to receive the Goldwater Scholarship, and I want to thank my research adviser, Dr. Pande, and the UAlbany Goldwater Faculty Representative, Dr. Kaloyeros, who have been so supportive," said Ms. Patrosz. "This honor provides a great opportunity to advance both my education and research in a field that offers so many exciting possibilities."

Ms. Patrosz is the 15th UAlbany student in the past 18 years to be chosen for esteemed Goldwater Scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of academic merit. She was among 321 students nationwide - and one of just 132 women - to be selected from a field of 1,035 sophomores and juniors who were nominated by college and university faculties. She will receive $15,000 in funding for undergraduate study over the next two years.

UAlbany Interim President George M. Philip said, "On behalf of the entire University community, I am proud to congratulate Julita Ewa Patrosz, as well as her adviser, Professor Jayanti Pande, and the UAlbany Goldwater Faculty Representative, Professor Alain E. Kaloyeros, on Julita's selection as a recipient of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. In becoming the University's 15th student to receive this prestigious honor, Julita enhances a proud tradition of nationally recognized undergraduate academic and research excellence in the scientific field, which has become a hallmark of UAlbany's standing as a world-class institution of higher education."

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and UAlbany Faculty Representative for the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, said, "The selection of Julita Ewa 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. I am delighted to congratulate Ms. Patrosz and her adviser, Professor Pande, on this well-deserved and much-coveted recognition, as well as the UAlbany faculty nomination committee for its efforts that have brought national renown to the University."

UAlbany Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan D. Phillips said, "The impressive level of academic achievement that is representative of UAlbany's undergraduate students is borne out once again with the selection of Julita Ewa Patrosz as a Goldwater Scholar. As the fields of science and engineering become increasingly critical in the 21st century, it is clear that UAlbany is providing unique educational and research opportunities for its students that will translate into exciting career paths in the future."

Dr. Edelgard Wulfert, Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said, "I am thrilled that Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major Julita Ewa Patrosz has been awarded a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship in recognition of her impressive achievements, and I congratulate both Julita and her research advisor, Professor Pande. Our entire University can take pride in the accomplishment of this outstanding student who embodies our undergraduate academic and research excellence that truly defines the University."

Dr. Pande said, "One of my great joys as a returning alumna is having the opportunity to work with intelligent, focused and conscientious students like Julita, who truly represent the future of the scientific community. My hope is that the well-deserved recognition that she has earned as a recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship will encourage her to strive for even higher goals in the future, while also motivating fellow UAlbany students to continually test themselves against the nation's best and brightest undergraduates."

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program, established in 1986 in honor of Senator Barry M. Goldwater, is designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering. In its 20-year history, more than 5,500 scholarships worth approximately $54 million have been awarded. In addition, recent Goldwater Scholars have been awarded 70 Rhodes Scholarships, 94 Marshall Awards - including 8 of the 40 awarded in the United States in 2008 - and numerous other distinguished fellowships.

Courtesy: University of Albany News