CS Student Wins Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

4/13/2010

Maxie Dion Schmidt wins scholarship for her research related to prime numbers and enumerative combinatorics

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University of Illinois computer science student Maxie Dion Schmidt has won a prestigious Barry M. Goldwater scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year. The scholarship is intended to help Schmidt complete her undergraduate studies at Illinois before attending graduate school.

Schmidt, a sophomore majoring in computer science, plans to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics or computer science. She is currently conducting independent research related to prime numbers and enumerative combinatorics.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, established by Congress in 1986, honors Sen. Barry M. Goldwater of Arizona, who served 30 years in the U.S. Senate. He died in 1998.

Schmidt was among the three U of I students to win Goldwater scholarships in 2010. The Goldwater scholarship program aims to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers by awarding scholarships to sophomores and juniors from the U.S. who intend to pursue careers in those fields. Competition for the scholarships is highly competitive.

The 278 Goldwater Scholars for 2010-2011 were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,111 students who were nominated by faculty members. The one- and two-year scholarships cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.


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This story was published April 13, 2010.