Strycker earns scholar awards

WildBird readers might recognize Noah Strycker as the Birdboy columnist in each issue. He first wrote for the magazine in 2003 and began the column in 2005. His enthusiasm for birding, ornithology and life are apparent and contagious.

Noah recently became a 2007 Goldwater Scholar, which he described as the premier national scholarship for undergraduate students seeking careers in science and mathematics. He's one of 317 sophomores and juniors to receive a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship.

The Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,110 mathematics, science, and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide. One hundred seventy-four of the Scholars are men, 143 are women, and virtually all intend to obtain a Ph.D. as their degree objective. Twenty-eight Scholars are mathematics majors, 223 are science and related majors, 54 are majoring in engineering, and 12 are computer science majors. Many of the Scholars have dual majors in a variety of mathematics, science, engineering, and computer disciplines.

The one and two year scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

Goldwater Scholars have very impressive academic qualifications that have garnered the attention of prestigious post-graduate fellowship programs. Recent Goldwater Scholars have been awarded 69 Rhodes Scholarships (6 of the 32 awarded in the United States in 2006), 86 Marshall Awards (6 of the 44 awarded in the United States in 2006), and numerous other distinguished fellowships.

A week later, Noah learned that he received a $5,000 Udall Scholarship, the premier national scholarship for sophomores and juniors heading for environmental careers. He's one of 80 students to receive the award, named after Congressman Morris K. Udall.

The 80 Scholars were selected from among 434 candidates nominated by 221 colleges and universities. Seventy scholars intend to pursue careers related to the environment. Six Native American/Alaska Native scholars intend to pursue careers in tribal public policy; four Native American/Alaska Native scholars will study healthcare. Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 for one year. Honorable Mentions will receive a $350 award.

The 2007 Udall Scholars will assemble August 1-5 in Tucson, Arizona, to receive their awards and meet policy-makers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care and governance.

Congratulations, Noah!!