Release date: April 2, 2008
Contact: Beverly Cox Clark at 404-712-8780 or beverly.clark@emory.edu

Emory Science Student Named Goldwater Scholar

Emory University student Shahein Tajmir has been named a Goldwater Scholar, an annual award given to 300 exceptional science students who have the commitment and potential to make a significant contribution in their field. Emory student Wenjie (Wendy) Xiao also was named to the honorable mention list.

The scholarship program honoring the late Sen. Barry M. Goldwater is designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. The scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields. Goldwater Scholars are selected on the basis of academic merit from a 1,035 students who are first nominated by their schools. Winners receive up to $7,500 annually in scholarship support.

Tajmir is a sophomore chemistry and biology major. He is currently working in the lab of Christopher Klug, associate professor of microbiology, biochemistry and genetics. He has also worked in the lab of assistant chemistry professor Justin Gallivan. He plans to seek a dual MD/PhD in molecular biology with the intention of conducting research in biomedical sciences.

Tajmir is an Emory Scholar and has been involved with INSPIRE (Interdisciplinary Science Program for Integrating Research into Education)at Emory. He received a SIRE grant from Emory this year to fund his research. He also is involved with the Emory Undergraduate Research Journal, a peer-reviewed journal for undergraduate researchers, and is a supplemental instructor for organic chemistry. Tajmir is from Birmingham, Ala.

Xiao is a junior majoring in anthropology and neuroscience and behavioral biology. She plans to seek a doctorate in neuroscience and a medical degree with a focus in endocrinology and neurology. Xiao also is an Emory Scholar and a member of INSPIRE. She participated in the SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research at Emory) program in 2006 and will be working in an Italian research lab this summer. Xiao is from Lexington, Ky.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986. In addition to those awarded the scholarship, the Goldwater Foundation acknowledges the accomplishments of those on the honorable mention list, which includes more than 150 students who also demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to a career in science.

Emory University (www.emory.edu) is one of the nation’s leading private research universities and a member of the Association of American Universities. Known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate college of arts and sciences, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities, Emory is ranked as one of the country's top 20 national universities by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its nine schools, the university encompasses The Carter Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, the state's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

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