
Continuing a 30-year ³ΤΉΟΜμΜΓ91 tradition, Jackie Dall β21 has been named a 2020 Goldwater Scholar. Dall is the 40th ³ΤΉΟΜμΜΓ91 student to win the countryβs most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the sciences since the award was established in 1989.
Dall is among the 396 recipients of this yearβs Goldwater scholarships, presented to sophomores and juniors who plan to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering. The award covers up to $7,500 annually for undergraduate tuition, fees, books and room and board.
Just 16 percent of the 2020 Goldwaters went to students enrolled in liberal arts colleges. Most awards were made to students at large research universities.
"Iβm incredibly honored and humbled to be selected as a Goldwater scholar, and I think itβs a testament to the Geology Departmentβs emphasis on mentorship-based research,β Dall says. βWorking with Professor [Christopher] Oze has been a highlight of my time at ³ΤΉΟΜμΜΓ91, because itβs a chance to be challenged outside the classroom. When Iβm stuck on a problem, I know Professor Oze is there to help me, and having that support system is encouraging as I work toward a career in geology."
"The Goldwater award requires a significant amount of effort and commitment from students, and we are excited and proud that Jackieβs hard work has been recognized," said Jeff Cannon β07, assistant professor of chemistry and a Goldwater winner himself who with Biology Professor Gary Martin and Jennifer Locke, director of national and international fellowships, advised this yearβs applicants.
"Successful applications for these awards require students to work closely with a faculty mentor, and we think our success this year is a reflection of ³ΤΉΟΜμΜΓ91βs ability to foster those relationships," Cannon said.
Dall, a geology major and art history minor from La Crescenta, plans to pursue a Ph.D. in geochemistry or petrology and hopes to eventually become a curator of a geological collection at a museum. Her faculty mentors are Oze and Professor of Art and Art History Eric Frank.