Two NC State engineering students receive Goldwater Scholarships

Two North Carolina State University chemical engineering students have received the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Heidi Klumpe, a Benjamin Franklin Scholar and a junior in chemical engineering and English literature, and Brinda Monian, a Caldwell Fellow and a junior in chemical engineering and biochemistry, were awarded the scholarships for exceptional work in their fields of study.

Klumpe is studying the effects of small molecule signaling on human adipose-derived stem cells.  Understanding which signals the cells respond to, and how cell differentiation and proliferation are affected, is key to developing viable stem cell therapy for a range of diseases.

Monian’s research has focused on the development of nanofibers from the biodegradable polymer alginate that is derived from seaweed. Using a process called electrospinning, Monian can create nanofibers that can be used in medical applications like tissue engineering.

Klumpe and Monian were selected from a field of mathematics, science, and engineering students nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. 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.

The scholarship program, which honors former Senator Barry M. Goldwater, was designed to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.