Allegheny College Graduate Brandon Goeller of Glenshaw, Pa., Honored with Fulbright Award

MEADVILLE, PA (05/25/2010)(readMedia)-- Recent Allegheny College graduate Brandon Goeller has received a Fulbright Award to study language and conduct aquatic ecology research in Germany.

Goeller, of Glenshaw, Pa., graduated cum laude on May 16 with a double major in biology and environmental science and a minor in German. His Fulbright experience will begin with a six-week intensive language course in Marburg, Germany.

Goeller will then start a two-year master's program in fisheries science and aquaculture, with a concentration in German as a foreign language, at the Humboldt University of Berlin. He will design and conduct research at the Leibniz Institute for Aquatic Ecology and Inland Fisheries. The institute's research program focuses on understanding the economic, social and ecological dynamics of recreational fisheries.

"The practical experience that I will gain as a Fulbright Scholar, the connections that I will make with German and international scientists, and the career exposure that I will receive will enrich my academic and professional development," said Goeller. "I am elated to be honored with such a prestigious award."

The Fulbright experience will mark Goeller's third trip to Germany. He studied there in fall 2007 with the Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne program and returned in May 2009 for an Allegheny experiential learning seminar on renewable energy in Northern Europe.

Goeller's research as a Fulbright Scholar will build on his senior project at Allegheny. He conducted a water quality study investigating how land use impacts aquatic resources in the Oil and French Creek watersheds in northwestern Pennsylvania.

As an Allegheny student, Goeller received the Robert E. Bugbee Memorial Fund Prize, which recognizes the senior biology student who demonstrates the most profound level of scientific achievement. He also graduated with honors from the environmental science department, in recognition of achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the major and a grade of A on the senior project. In addition, Goeller was an Alden Scholar for all four years at Allegheny, achieving a grade point average of 3.2 or higher each year.

Following his research in Germany, Goeller plans to pursue a Ph.D. in aquatic ecology and work as a postdoctoral researcher. He ultimately plans to enter the field of aquatic resource management as a research scientist or professor.

The 32nd oldest college in the nation, Allegheny College will celebrate its bicentennial in 2015. Allegheny is among only 16 percent of liberal arts colleges nationally that require independent research and/or original creative work of all graduates.