Release date: June 13, 2005
Contact: Deb Hammacher, Associate Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0644 or deb.hammacher@emory.edu

Emory Students Receive National Awards, Fellowships

Several Emory University students and May graduates are the recipients of national academic honors.

Patrick Ayscue, who earned his bachelor's degree in biology and environmental studies on May 16, was named a Luce Scholar, one of just 18 students selected each year. This year only four undergraduates were selected. The Luce Scholars program, administered by the Henry Luce Foundation, provides a job in Asia in recipients' fields of professional interest. The program selects young Americans who have not specialized in Asian studies or had much experience in the region to improve this country's understanding of Asia.

The recipient of a Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship to Emory--the university's most prestigious undergraduate merit scholarship, Ayscue plans to study veterinary medicine and microbiology (DVM/PhD) at Cornell University after he completes his Luce year. His job placement is with a rural development team in Cambodia's Mondulkiri Province in conjunction with the Wildlife Conservation Society. He will be studying disease transmission between domestic and wild animals. He is the son of James and Cheryl Ayscue of Belleair Beach, Fla. (33786).

Three May graduates have been selected for Fulbright scholarships.

• Peter Clericuzio, who graduated with a double major in history and art history, has been awarded a full student grant for study in Nancy, France. He plans to research the politics of turn-of-the-20th century French artists and architects who worked in the Art Nouveau style called the Ecole de Nancy. He was a member of the Emory Scholars Program, a community of undergraduate merit scholarship recipients. Clericuzio is the son of Charles Clericuzio and Laura VanOverschelde of Jackson, Miss. (39211).

• Jimin Kim has been awarded a fellowship that will allow her to teach in a public high school in Korea during the next academic year. Kim, who earned her degree in economics, plans to do research on the political and economic development of North Korea while in Korea, where she also worked as an English instructor last summer. At the Emory College diploma ceremony she was recognized as the recipient of the university's Lucius Lamar McMullan Award, one of Emory's highest student honors. Kim is the daughter of Sura and Elizabeth Kim of Madison, Ala. (35758).

• Laura Reinhold has been awarded a teaching position in Lille, France. She graduated with a double major in political science and French. She will be teaching English and, as time permits, will continue her thesis research on women's representation in French politics. She is the daughter of Vic and Nancy Reinhold of Atlanta (30306).

The Fulbright awards were established in 1946 by the U.S. government to foster mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchanges. Currently, various awards are offered to about 140 countries. The awards include opportunities to teach English, to conduct research, to be involved in internships, or to complete MBA programs in Spain or Mexico. Among Emory undergraduates, 12-15 students each year apply for Fulbrights and three to four typically are given awards.

Devin Murphy, a rising senior majoring in interdisciplinary studies in culture and society, has been awarded a prestigious Beinecke Scholarship to pursue a Ph.D. in the arts, humanities or social sciences. Only 18 students are selected for this award annually. The scholarship, administered by The Sperry Fund, provides $32,000 for graduate study and must be used within five years of earning a bachelor's degree. Murphy, a Woodruff Scholar at Emory--the recipient of the university's most prestigious undergraduate merit scholarship--plans to pursue a Ph.D. in either American studies or rhetoric. He is Emory's third Beinecke Scholar in five years. Murphy is the son of Donna Marie Coles Murphy of Spartanburg, S.C. (29301).

Two Emory students have been awarded Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships: Hanie Elfenbein and Meaghann Guyote. This scholarship recognizes outstanding undergraduates in their sophomore or junior years studying science, engineering and mathematics. Both are members of the Emory Scholars Program for undergraduate merit scholarship recipients. The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Goldwater, who served for 56 years as a soldier and statesman. The purpose of the foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

• Elfenbein is majoring in neuroscience and behavioral biology. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience and to conduct research on cognition in humans and non-human primates. She also plans to teach at the university level. She is the daughter of Emanuel and Pamela Elfenbein of Miami, Fla. (33156).

• Guyote is majoring in biology with a minor in classical civilization. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in developmental biology. She intends to conduct research on patterning during organogenesis and to teach engaging biology courses at a research-oriented university. She is the daughter and stepdaughter of Geraldine Guyote and Chad Robichaux of Wakefield, Mass. (01880), and the daughter of Martin Guyote of Melrose, Mass. (02176).

Rachel Cooper has been awarded the Rockefeller Brothers Fellowship for Students of Color Entering the Teaching Profession, the second consecutive Emory student to be selected. The fellowship assists outstanding students of color from among 27 selected U.S. colleges and universities to pursue graduate studies and begin teaching in public schools. The award also provides funding for summer projects before students graduate, a summer workshop between the junior and senior year, and professional development opportunities of fellows after they have begun their careers in teaching.

Cooper is a rising senior, co-majoring in educational studies and history, with an emphasis on African-American history. She plans to pursue a master's in education, then start out teaching high school history before ultimately teaching African-American history at the collegiate level. She is the daughter of Kevin and Marlene Cooper of Altadena, Calif. (91001).

Earlier this year Didi Kuo of Alpharetta, Ga., was awarded the Marshall Scholarship for graduate study in the United Kingdom.

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