Congratulations!! Johnny Greco,a junior majoring in physics and astronomy was notified that he was the recipient of a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship yesterday with a surprise visit while in class. He has conducted research with Dr. Paul Martini in astronomy and Dr. Richard Hughes and Dr. Brian Winer in physics. His astronomy research focuses on the regulation mechanisms of star formation in galaxies; Johnny’s high-particle physics research analyzed proton-antiproton collisions in the search for the Higgs boson.  A recipient of the Undergraduate Research Scholarship and the Physics Smith Sophomore Award, he plans to pursue a PhD in physics and conduct research in the intersection of astrophysics and particle physics as a professor at a research institution. 

Presented by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, the Goldwater is the most prestigious national award for undergraduate researchers in science, math and engineering and includes a $7,500 scholarship.  Johnny is joined by Grant Yang (electrical & computer engineering) and Ronald Siebenaler (biomedical science) in winning this award.  Nicholas Jarjour (biomedical science) was presented with and Honorable Mention.  282 scholarships were awarded to sophomores and juniors on the basis of academic merit from a field of over 1,100 students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide.  Each institution may only nominate four students for this award.

Read more here.

Surprising Johnny in class with the news! Fellowship Advisor Dana Kuchem, Research Advisor Dr. Richard Hughes, Johnny Greco, Research Advisor Dr. Paul Martini, Associate Provost and Director of the Undergraduate Fellowship Office Dr. Linn Van Woerkom, Physics Advisor Lindsey Thaler