Springfield, Mo., April 11, 2024 – Drury University proudly announces that Junior Audrey Davis was selected as a 2024 Barry Goldwater Scholar, a prestigious national scholarship recognizing outstanding students committed to pursuing careers in laboratory research following graduate school. Audrey worked with Drury’s National Scholarships office to secure her application.
“A phenomenal achievement,” said Dr. Shelley Wolbrink of Drury’s National Scholarship office. “It sets a high standard for our university and the Trustee Science Center, and it’s exciting to have our first Goldwater Scholar. It’s such a prestigious honor for Audrey, and we can’t wait to see where this takes her.”
Audrey’s selection for the Goldwater Scholarship underscores her exceptional promise and leadership in research. Out of 5,000 sophomores and juniors who applied for the scholarship this year, Davis emerged as one of the 430 scholars chosen nationwide. She will receive a $7,500 scholarship for her senior year, recognizing her dedication and achievements in the STEM fields.
“The Goldwater Scholarship has given me the ability to receive further funding to pursue my research interests,” said Davis. “While applying for the Goldwater Scholarship, I have also gained scientific writing skills which will aid in graduate school admissions processes. I am honored to bring awareness to the field of scientific research at Drury and the university’s amazing STEM departments through this achievement.”
Davis majors in Chemistry with minors in Pre-Engineering, Physics and Mathematics and has a Designing Solutions for Environmental Problems certificate. Her undergraduate research experience spans across prestigious programs such as Drury’s Research Experience in the Natural Sciences (RENS) program and a transformative Pediatric Oncology Experience at St. Jude Research Hospital. While at St. Jude, Audrey contributed to groundbreaking work in the Neumann Lab focusing on Diagnostic Imaging. Audrey says her accomplishments have been made possible through the invaluable mentorship provided by Drury faculty members Drs. John Kiernicki, Madhuri Madpadi and Kiel Neumann.
Dr. Beth Harville, University Provost, commended Davis’ selection, saying, “Audrey’s selection as a Goldwater Scholar is a testament to her hard work advancing scientific knowledge and the intensive mentoring provided by Drury faculty. Her achievements are an inspiration to all of us.”
The National Scholarship Office at Drury is dedicated to helping its students engage with and apply for nationally competitive awards. For more information about the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, visit www.goldwater.scholarsapply.org.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, Office: (417) 873-7390, Email: JCooper020@drury.edu