A Sheperdstown native studying physics and mechanical engineering at West Virginia University has won the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, the nation’s premier award for undergraduate college students pursuing careers in math, the natural sciences or engineering.
Junior Forrest W. Doss is the 25 th WVU student to capture the honor since the program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor the late Sen. Barry M. Goldwater.
Doss is among 310 college sophomores and juniors from 50 states and Puerto Rico to be awarded the scholarship for the 2004-2005 academic year.
Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,113 math, sciences and engineering students nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. The one- and two-year scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and room and board up to $7,500 per year.
“Itake pride in everything I do here at WVU ,Doss said.I’m very pleased with the progress I’ve been making and the things I’ve learned.
At WVU , Doss has participated in undergraduate research with Physics Professor Jack Littleton, writing and maintaining code to format astrophysical plasma data for the Ulysses spacecraft.
He currently works with Department of Physics Chairman Earl Scime on the design and construction of the Compact Helicon Waves and Instabilities Experiment (CHEWIE). The project involves new methods of controlling the plasma chemistry in nitrogen plasmas and is the focus of his Goldwater research proposal.
The quality of Forrest’s research as well as his commitment to excellence is astounding,said Honors Program Director Keith Garbutt.
Following graduation in May 2005, Doss hopes to earn a Ph.D. in applied physics.
He is a recipient of the WVU Presidential Scholarship, Chester A. Arents Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering and WVU Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarship. He is also a member of the WVU Fencing team, Honors Program Student Advisory Committee and the Society of Physics Students.
I feel incredibly indebted to everybody who helped me get this far, both my professors and my fellow students,he said.
Doss’s achievement will be recognized during WVU ’s Weekend of Honors April 16-18 (http://www.nis.wvu.edu/2004_Releases/WOH.htm).