Release date: March 27, 2002
Contact: Deb Hammacher, Associate Director, Media Relations,
at 404-727-0644 or dhammac@emory.edu

Emory Student Named Luce Scholar for 2002-2003 Academic Year

Michael Coren, son of Seth and Jenny Coren of Vero Beach, Fla. (32967), has been named a Luce Scholar by the Henry R. Luce Scholars Program. Coren is one of only 18 students chosen nationally for the 2002-2003 academic year, and is the second Emory University student to receive this honor since 2000. As a Luce Scholar, Coren will work as an intern in Asia next year.

Coren will receive his bachelor of science degree in environmental studies and journalism from Emory this May. He plans to explore environmental issues in developing countries, and expects to be assigned to a newspaper in Cambodia or Vietnam, or possibly as an environmental consultant for a non-governmental organization in Southeast Asia.

"I was shocked and surprised to be selected, and I am getting more excited about it with each day," Coren says. "I am fascinated with both journalism and science, and no matter what I end up doing in the sciences, I will always write. This upcoming year should redirect my life and give me experiences I will take with me to a newspaper or other publication in the future. "

Coren’s activities at Emory reflect his dual passions for science and journalism. He was features editor for two years of "Hybrid Vigor," an online publication at Emory exploring themes of science and society. He has completed internships at the San Jose Mercury News, the Los Angeles Times and the Palm Beach Post, and also has worked for his hometown paper, the Vero Beach Press Journal. He has conducted three years of aquaculture research at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Fort Pierce, Fla.

Coren has taken active leadership roles in Outdoor Emory, the university’s outdoor recreation group, serving on the group’s executive board for three years and as leadership and development chair. He also served as vice president of Emory’s intramural water polo team and was a mentor for Emory’s Big Brothers/Big Sisters program for two years.

During his career at Emory, he has been awarded several scholarships and academic honors, including Emory’s Gordon C. White Scholarship for superior academic performance and the United States Naval Science Award Scholarship.

The Luce Scholars Program provides stipends and internships for 18 young Americans to live and work in Asia each year. Founded in 1974, the program’s purpose is to increase awareness of Asia among future leaders in American society. Luce Scholar candidates are nominated by 67 colleges and universities.

Those who already have significant experience in Asia or Asian studies are not eligible for the Luce Scholars Program. Candidates must be American citizens who have received at least a bachelor’s degree and are no more than 29 years old at the beginning of the program. Nominees should have a record of high achievement, outstanding leadership ability, and a clearly defined career interest with evidence of potential for professional accomplishment.

Luce Scholars have backgrounds in many fields, including medicine, the arts, business, law, science, environmental studies and journalism. Placements can be made in the following countries in East and Southeast Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, China and Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

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