Two U of A Students Named Goldwater Scholars, Third Gets Honorable Mention

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Wilson Guillory and Karla Morrissey, Goldwater Scholars.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Two University of Arkansas students, Wilson Guillory and Karla Morrissey, were recently awarded selective Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships. These scholarships are the most prestigious undergraduate award for science and engineering students who intend to pursue careers in those fields.

Guillory, from Eureka Springs, is an honors biology major in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

Morrissey, from Beebe, is an honors chemical engineering major in the College of Engineering.

A third U of A student, David Jacobson of Russellville received an honorable mention. He is an honors student working on a double major in chemical engineering and physics.

“Wilson Guillory, Karla Morrissey and David Jacobson are exceptional students doing exceptional work with exceptional faculty,” said University of Arkansas Chancellor Joe Steinmetz. “I am pleased for them, for their colleges, their faculty, for our university, and for the state. This is the 21st consecutive year that the University of Arkansas has had a Goldwater Scholar, and as I continue to meet such talented, curious and engaged students as these on this campus, I must say I am not surprised.”

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress in 1986 to honor the United States senator. It helps provide funding for college students who intend to pursue careers in science, mathematics, and engineering. About 300 scholarships are awarded each year to college sophomores and juniors nationwide.

The University of Arkansas has 52 Goldwater Scholars, the most among schools in the SEC. The U of A ranks 30th among all institutions, and 16th among public universities.

“Fulbright, the College of Engineering and the Honors College have much to be proud of in these three students,” said Lynda Coon, dean of the Honors College.  “They have been ambitious academically and have engaged actively and repeatedly in research. Their faculty mentors have done a stellar job preparing them for graduate work, and this recognition confirms how important that can be for students looking to compete at the national level.”

University of Arkansas students who are interested in applying for competitive scholarships like the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship should contact the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards at awards@uark.edu.

WILSON GUILLORY

Guillory is currently conducting research with professor Andrew Alverson, his research mentor, and is particularly interested in researching molecular phylogenetics in graduate school. He has completed two internships studying arthropods at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. He plans to pursue a doctorate in evolutionary biology. After completing his studies, Guillory would like to teach at the university level.

“I'm honored to be recognized as a Goldwater Scholar,” said Guillory. “I am an avid learner and devoted student, and I hope to continue on in academia as both a teacher and a researcher. I am appreciative that there are awards like the Goldwater Scholarship that recognize students for their commitments to academia and the pursuit of knowledge.”

KARLA MORRISSEY

Morrissey’s research is currently guided by professors Greg Thoma in chemical engineering and Roy McCann in electrical engineering. After completing her bachelor’s degree, Morrissey would like to earn a doctorate in chemical engineering. She hopes to pursue a career in renewable energy research, particularly in the public service sector, conducting research in a national laboratory, or for a government agency such as the Department of Energy.

“I could not be more grateful to receive this prestigious award,” said Morrissey. “My mentor Dr. Thoma guided me through my research and challenged me to think critically throughout this endeavor. This honor is one that I share with a group of students that have a passion for both learning and conducting research, with the goal of helping society in numerous ways. With this award, I will continue my research in renewable energy in hopes of helping our country build an energy-secure future.”

DAVID JACOBSON

Jacobson is currently conducting research under Professor Keith Roper in chemical engineering. After graduating he plans to earn a doctorate in materials engineering, and would like to pursue research in computational materials characterization as a professor.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.