Grace McIntyre ’22, a double major in biology and public health and member of the women’s track and field team, was selected for the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship for high-achieving students with outstanding potential to contribute to science and research. Only eight percent of nominees were accepted, with only 14 awardees coming from Indiana.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship was established by the United States Congress in 1986 and provides scholarships to college sophomores and juniors pursuing careers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Marian University’s faculty representative for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation is Jason Chan, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology. "Grace truly represents the exemplary Marian student, with high achievements as a scholar, athlete, and student leader in several organizations including Sigma Zeta,” Chan said. Working with Dr. Chan, McIntyre published several abstracts and presented at major conferences, including those of the American Society for Cell Biology and the American Society for Molecular Biology. "When you work in a research lab, you need to learn how to do literature analysis and think critically. Dr. Chan has helped me become proficient in a lab setting, from literature analysis, critical thinking, techniques, and statistical analysis. Without Dr. Chan, I would not be the student I am today,” McIntyre said. Beyond the national recognition, Goldwater Scholars gain a support system of past scholars and faculty advisors working to help their students become admitted to graduate school for future research opportunities. McIntyre plans to earn a doctorate degree in biomedical science.