Three Ohio University students have been named Barry M. Goldwater Scholars for the 2003-04 school year. Juniors Jessica Benson, Kimberly Borley and Natalie Kruse were three of the 300 undergraduate students chosen from a field of 1,093 nominees nationwide, joining the six other Ohio University students receiving the award since its inception in 1986.

Benson, Borley and Kruse -- three of the 139 women receiving the award -- will each receive up to $7,500 from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship towards tuition, fees, books and room and board.

Benson, an Honors Tutorial College student and engineering physics major from McKeesport, Pa., plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in bioengineering and biophysics research. She hopes to conduct research in biological processes such as photosynthesis, tissue growth and cell signaling, as well as creating mechanisms that improve lives, are environmentally conscious and will lead to innovative engineering applications.

Borley, a native of Springfield, Ohio, is a marine biology major. Hoping to pursue a Ph.D. in marine biology, Borley plans on conducting research into the behavior of marine organisms and improving the quality of marine ecosystems.

Kruse, a civil engineering major from Athens, Ohio, plans to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental geochemistry. She hopes to conduct research, design remediation options and resource protection methods in a civil or environmental engineering firm.

Ohio University senior Bobby McDonie has been awarded an Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Humanistic Studies for the 2003-2004 school year. McDonie --- one of only 94 award recipients nationwide --- is the third Ohio University student to win the award.

McDonie, an Honors English major from Waverly, Ohio, plans to pursue a Ph.D specializing in Medieval Literature and Queer Theory. He hopes to teach at the college level while remaining actively engaged in GLBT community building and advocacy.

**If you are interested in pursuing any of these highly competitive awards, plan on attending one of the information sessions listed in this newsletter.

RHODES (www.rhodesscholar.org)
If you are interested in studying at Oxford, you may want to consider the Rhodes Scholarships. The Rhodes is one of the most competitive and prestigious awards available to students anywhere. It includes all fees, travel expenses, and a yearly stipend for two years of study at Oxford, with a possible renewal for a third year.

Eligibility: U.S. citizen between 18 and 24 years old at time of application; must have graduated by October of the year in which study at Oxford is begun.

Application: Includes a 1,000-word personal essay, five to eight recommendations and a university endorsement.
Deadline: Early fall.

BRITISH MARSHALL (www.acu.ac.uk/marshall)
If you are interested in studying in the United Kingdom, you may want to consider the British Marshall Scholarship. This award provides funding to study in the United Kingdom and stands along with the Rhodes in its exceptional prestige and competitiveness. The award covers living expenses, tuition, books, and airfare for two years, with a possible renewal for a third year.

Eligibility: U.S. citizen who has graduated from a U.S. college or university; GPA of 3.7 on academic coursework taken after the freshman year. Must be within 2 years of finishing undergraduate work.

Application: Includes a description of proposed study, two letters of reference, and a university endorsement.
Deadline: Fall; most candidates apply during their senior year.

MITCHELL (www.us-irelandalliance.org/scholarships.html)
If you are interested in studying in Ireland, you may want to consider the George J. Mitchell Scholarships. This award provides tuition and room for study at one of several institutions of Ireland and Northern Ireland. An $11,000 stipend to cover additional expenses and a travel stipend are also provided.

Eligibility: Applicants must be US citizens, aged 18 or over but not yet 30 on October 1 in the year of application. They must also have academic standing sufficient to assure completion of a Bachelor's degree before they begin study under the Mitchell Scholarship.

Application: Includes an institutional endorsement, academic transcript, birth certificate, 1000-word essay, description of activities during college years, and at least five letters of recommendation.
Deadline: October 1.

GATES CAMBRIDGE (www.gates.scholarships.cam.ac.uk)
If you are interested in graduate school or a second bachelor's degree, you may want to apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. This award covers university and college fees for graduate study or a second bachelor's degree at the University of Cambridge in England. It also provides a maintenance allowance, a contribution toward return airfare, and other discretionary allowances.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold, or expect to be able to obtain before October of year of application, a first class or exceptionally high second class honors degree; gain admission to the University of Cambridge and to a constituent college; and be able to meet the conditions set by the University for admission.

Application: Applicants must first apply to and be accepted to the University of Cambridge. Upon acceptance, students will be sent a Gates Cambridge application form.
Deadline: February 28, 2004.

Ann Brown, Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, 35 Park Place, 593-2725 or 593-2725 or through e-mail browna@ohio.edu

The ONCA E-News is a publication of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. Any questions, comments or suggestions should be addressed to Cara Lewis at cara.lewis@ohio.edu. Questions concerning awards or award information should be addressed to Ann Brown, Director, Office of Nationally Competitive Awards at browna@ohiou.edu or by phone at 593-2725. More information is available on our web site at www.ohiou.edu/onca.

ONCA E-News Editor: Cara Lewis