Two Honors Students Named

TWO HONORS STUDENTS NAMED 2020 GOLDWATER SCHOLARS

TWO JUDY GENSHAFT HONORS COLLEGE STUDENTS, Jack Edwards and Zach Withers, were named 2020 Goldwater Scholars, chosen out of nearly 1,300 students nationally. The scholarship is the most prestigious undergraduate award in the country for science research and provides $7,500 for educational expenses and research support.

Edwards, a junior majoring in physics and minoring in mathematics, has spent three years researching in USF Associate Professor David Basanta’s lab at Moffitt Cancer Center. There, he uses physics and computer science to model tumor growth in a way that includes space limitations and considers ecological effects. “If we can use ecology and mathematics to model how tumors evolve, it can lead to the development of more successful treatment strategies,” says Edwards, who credits Basanta as his mentor. “He is a fantastic teacher and showed me how beautiful evolutionary theory can be.”

Also a junior and physics major (with a mathematics minor), Withers has worked in USF Assistant Professor of Physics and Medical Engineering Dmitri Voronine’s lab and USF Professor of Chemistry David Merkler’s lab for the past three years. Withers’ work with Professor Voronine has focused on the energy transfers and quantum affects in nano-cavities. “Our investigations can lead to the engineering of advanced new technology and devices,” says Withers. “The energy transfer, and our ability to control its intensity, has implications for the improvement of semi-conductors and transistor-like devices.”

Both Edwards and Withers plan to pursue their PhDs and enter meaningful scientific careers. They worked with the university’s Office of National Scholarships and its director, Dr. Sayandeb Basu, on their research goals and Goldwater applications. “Dr. Basu was a fantastic mentor throughout this entire process,” says Withers. “He asked the important questions and helped me identify my research trajectory, and explain why I am passionate about this work.”

Edwards also appreciates the importance of Basu’s mentorship. “He said to me once that ‘the application process is the gold in the Goldwater,’” recalls Edwards. “Working with him on this application helped me to fine tune my future plans and research interests.”

ZACH WITHERS

JACK EDWARDS

“Both of these students have such bright futures,” says Judy Genshaft Honors College Dean Dr. Charles Adams. “Undergraduate research is both valued and promoted throughout our university and I am proud, but not surprised, to see how our faculty and staff have mentored Jack and Zach.”

The two award recipients (tied for the most of any Florida university) bring USF’s Goldwater Scholar tally to thirteen. Previous scholars have gone on to earn other nationally competitive awards and study at internationally prominent institutions as they work on research projects.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.