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Tory McCoy, a junior majoring in mathematics and geological sciences, has been named a Goldwater scholar. Photos by G.L. Kohuth

Nathan Sanders, a junior majoring in physics and astrophysics, has been named a Goldwater scholar.

Jessica Muir is a senior majoring in physics and astrophysics. Photo by G.L. Kohuth

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EAST LANSING, Mich. — Three students from Michigan State University’s College of Natural Science and the Honors College have been named Goldwater Scholars for 2009-10.

Jessica Muir and Nathan Sanders, both juniors, are majoring in physics and astrophysics. MSU’s third scholar, Tory McCoy, is a junior majoring in mathematics and geological sciences, with an emphasis on paleobiology.

“I appreciate the opportunity that MSU has given me to do research, and receiving this scholarship makes me feel my research is important,” McCoy said.

McCoy, from Wexford, Pa., is engaged in scorpion taphonomy – or the study of a decaying scorpion and its fossilization. In addition, she has served as principal investigator on several significant projects in the paleobiology lab, working with Danita Brandt, associate professor of geological sciences.  A 2006 University Distinguished Scholar, McCoy earned first place at the MSU Herzog Mathematics Competition and an undergraduate research grant from the Geological Society of America.

“Jessie, Nathan and Tory have shown a commitment to the research endeavor and each has been able to make contributions to research projects with at least two faculty members,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, dean of MSU’s Honors College. “This demonstrates the drive to excel and the ingenuity and ability to explore multiple interests. Their spirit of inquiry and natural talent will serve them well, particularly as they all continue to work with dedicated faculty and staff here at MSU.”

Muir’s undergraduate research includes condensed matter physics and working in MSU’s High Energy Experimental group. A National Merit Scholar and Michigan Distinguished Freshman Scholar, Muir is fluent in French and has worked as an intern at the particle laboratory in Annexy-le-Vieux, France. She is from Romeo.

An aspiring astrophysicist, Sanders has worked with Stephen Zepf and Ed Loh, faculty from MSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, to study early-type galaxies and the development of the Spartan Infrared Camera for the SOuthern Astrophysical Research Telescope. In addition, he and Michael Velbel, professor of geological sciences, used a transmission electronic microscope to analyze comet material from the NASA Stardust Mission. Sanders is from Sault Ste. Marie.

"The work of these three scientists, both in the classroom and in the research lab, are indicative of strong, interconnected relations our students have with their education and the opportunities available from a major research institution," said R. James Kirkpatrick, dean of the College of Natural Science. "These awards reflect the quality of the students and faculty, and we are proud to serve as the foundation for success of these future leaders in science."

On March 31, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awarded 287 scholarships to budding mathematicians, scientists and engineers. 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. The Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,097 mathematics, science and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide.

In its 21-year history, the foundation has awarded 5,801 scholarships worth approximately $56 million dollars. The foundation plans to award about 300 scholarships for the 2010–11 academic year. To date, MSU has produced 27 Goldwater scholars.

For more information on Goldwater Scholarships, visit http://www.act.org/goldwater/index.html.

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Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.