Sophomore Elizabeth Threlkeld is First Olin Student to Receive a Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

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Elizabeth Threlkeld, a sophomore at Olin College of Engineering

NEEDHAM, MA (05/04/2011)(readMedia)-- Elizabeth Threlkeld, a sophomore at Olin College of Engineering, has been named a Goldwater Scholar for the 2011-12 academic year. The Goldwater scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. Threlkeld, from Evergreen, Colo., is an Engineering major with a concentration in mathematical biology.

The one- and two-year scholarships, awarded annually to outstanding second- and third-year college students, will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

"I am honored to have been recognized by the Goldwater officers and trustees," said Threlkeld, who plans to use the funds to pursue research. "The financial support gives me the flexibility to invest more time in my research here at Olin and frees me up to delve into the existing work that has been done." Threlkeld's research topic is "Mathematical Modeling of Tumor Vasculature Remodeling Dynamics, Angiogenesis, and Implications on Drug Therapy."

In addition to her research, Threlkeld is very involved in Olin's Engineering Discovery (E: Discovery) program-a student community service organization at Olin College dedicated to fostering passion for science and engineering in elementary and middle school students of all backgrounds. She writes curriculum, runs an engineering after-school program for third to fifth graders (click here to see a video of the E:Discovery after-school program) and serves on the board for the organization.

After Olin, Threlkeld plans to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate in mathematical biology. Staying true to her passion for teaching, Threlkeld hopes pursue a career as a professor or grade school teacher following graduate school.

The 275 Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from 1,095 mathematics, science and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. The Goldwater Foundation is a federally endowed agency established in 1986. The scholarship program honoring Sen. Barry M. Goldwater was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.