Two Macalester Students Win Goldwater Scholarships

St. Paul, Minn. – Madeline Marshall ’12, a junior from Hayward, Wis., and Colin Jarvis ‘13, a sophomore from St. Paul, Minn., have received Goldwater Scholarships which are awarded to students with outstanding potential who intend to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering.

Marshall and Jarvis were two of 275 students who received the scholarship this year. Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,095 mathematics, science, and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide.

Since its first award in 1989, the Foundation has bestowed over 6,600 scholarships worth approximately $50 million dollars. The Goldwater Scholarship provides up to $7,500 per year for undergraduate tuition, room and board.

Marshall is majoring in Geology and has conducted various geology research projects in the field and in her classes on sedimentology and stratigraphy, invertebrate paleontology, and Madagascar trace fossils. 

“The Goldwater is an incredibly encouraging and exciting award, and for me it recognizes the importance of pursuing a scientific career in paleontology research,” said Marshall.  “By valuing the accomplishments and goals of young scientists, I feel that the Goldwater fosters ambitions and helps us look to the future.”

Marshall plans to pursue a PhD in Paleobiology and Earth History, research sedimentary geology and paleobiology and teach at a college or university.  

Jarvis is majoring in Applied Mathematics and planning to complete either a double major or minor in Computer Science.

“Winning the Goldwater Scholarship means a lot to me as a student and future scientist,” said Jarvis, who spent ten weeks last summer conducting physics research at a low energy particle accelerator at Jefferson National Laboratory in Newport News, Va.

“I am flattered that my research is being recognized as a valuable contribution to the scientific community and that my potential as a scientist is being acknowledged,” said Jarvis. “I feel very fortunate to have been able to do this research experience the summer after my freshman year. I could not have asked for a better experience.”

Jarvis, who has presented papers at various conferences, plans to pursue a PhD in Applied Mathematics or Computer Science.

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.

Macalester College, founded in 1874, is a national liberal arts college with a full-time enrollment of 1,958 students. Macalester is nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to academic excellence, internationalism, multiculturalism and civic engagement.  Learn more at macalester.edu