March 27, 2007

Robert J. Friederichs, a materials science engineering sophomore and Honors College student from West Branch, Michigan, has been named a 2007 Goldwater Scholar.

Friederichs’s career goal is to earn an MD/PhD in biomaterials/biomedical engineering. He plans to conduct biomaterials research, practicing translational medicine at the interface between biomaterials development and clinical trials by researching orthopedic implants. His research mentor is Melissa Baumann, associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science.

Goldwater Scholarships go to sophomores and juniors who are planning graduate study and research careers in science, engineering, or mathematics. Each university may nominate no more than four students. The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation announced that they have awarded 317 scholarships for the 2007-2008 academic year from a field of 1,110 mathematics, science, and engineering students 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.

This is the second year in a row that three MSU students have been selected as Goldwater Scholars. This year's recipients are the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Goldwater Scholars from MSU. The College of Engineering has produced eight of MSU’s Goldwater Scholars since 1999; of those, six have been chemical engineering and materials science majors.