Tech students recognized with national scholarships

Communications & Marketing

National scholarship recipients at the Institute this year include the Student Government Association undergraduate president, a two-time winner and one graduate recipient of an award in its second year.

	Senior Nick Wellkamp, with Rhodes and Truman Scholarship Advisor Paul Hurst and Provost Gary Schuster, was named a 2009 Harry S. Truman Scholar.

Nick Wellkamp, a senior Industrial and Systems Engineering and Public Policy major, was one of 60 students nationally named a 2009 Harry S. Truman Scholar.

He was selected from more than 600 candidates nominated by more than 285 colleges and universities. Scholars were selected on the basis of leadership potential, intellectual ability and likelihood of “making a difference.” The 2009 Truman Scholars will assemble May 26 for a leadership development program at William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., and receive their awards in a special ceremony at the Truman Library in Independence, Mo., on May 31.

“It is just an unbelievable honor to receive this award,” said Wellkamp. “It is a great reaffirmation of the efforts that I have put in at Georgia Tech. “

Wellkamp served as Student Government Association president for the 2008-2009 academic year and has led efforts on conservation, academic policies and representing the student voice in the transition in Institute leadership and the budget crisis.

“The Truman Scholarship recognizes future leaders who have been identified as change agents,” said Wellkamp. “It was a long and intense application process, but well worth the effort.”

Wellkamp said he plans to use the scholarship to go to law school.

Each Truman Scholarship, established by Congress in 1975 as a memorial to the 33rd President, provides up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also received priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling, and special internship opportunities within the federal government. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their class, and be committed to careers in government or the not-for-profit sector.

	Thomas Christian

Junior Thomas Christian, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and International Affairs major, was named a Morris Udall Scholar for the second consecutive year.

He was the first Tech student to win the award and is now the first student to win the award twice. He was one of 80 students, selected from more than 66 colleges and universities.

“Being a recipient of the Udall Scholarship clearly has monetary and prestigious benefits but winning this for the second year in a row, being one of only seven this year to achieve this, validates my goals for the future and provides me with the support to make those goals become a reality,” said Christian, who hopes to earn a master’s degree in public policy or international policy studies with a focus on environmental policy.

“After finishing my academics, I hope to enter a career in the federal government doing work related to the environment and international affairs.”

A 14-member independent review committee selected this year’s group of scholars on the basis of commitment to careers in the environment, health care or tribal public policy; leadership potential; and academic achievement. Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 for one year.

This prestigious scholarship has generated more than 1,000 Udall Scholars since the first awards in 1996.

	Sarang Shah

Graduating senior Sarang Shah has been named a 2010 George J. Mitchell Scholar, sponsored by the U.S.–Ireland Alliance. He was announced the winner of this award in November.

“Winning this award means I will be able to pursue my interest of researching fundamental theoretical physics and the nature of space, time, matter and energy with the world-class community of theoretical physicists at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Trinity College Dublin, and the University College Dublin,” said Shah, who is excited about being a member of the Mitchell Scholarship community as well. “Being a part of these communities and making a lifelong connection with the science and people of Ireland are precisely my motivations for applying for the Mitchell Scholarship in the first place.”

Shah plans to graduate this spring with dual bachelor’s degrees in physics and public policy. He then plans on pursuing his research and a doctorate in theoretical physics at the University College Dublin.

During his time at Tech, Sarang conducted research in the field of theoretical neuroscience and developed textual analysis software to help map data.

Twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants are judged on three criteria: academic excellence, leadership and a sustained commitment to service and community. The Mitchell Scholarship provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend and an international travel stipend.

The Mitchell Scholarship is a national competitive fellowship, named to honor the former U.S. Senator’s pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process and is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership and a commitment to public service and community.