Rebecca Johnson was awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program March 29 The award is competitive, since only 300 college students in the field of science, engineering and math are selected across the United States.
The scholarship was created in memory of Barry M. Goldwater, an Arizona Senator.
Johnson is a junior double majoring in ecology conservation biology and wildlife resources and said she plans to work toward getting a doctorate.
Alton Campbell, her academic advisor in the University Honors program, said Johnson uses her academic talents to the maximum and already has one paper published.
“She will probably have another two more (published) before she graduates and … that would be a dream for a graduate student to have that many publications,” Campbell said.
Along with her academics, Johnson has many extracurricular activities that set her apart from other students. Her resume includes study abroad research in Costa Rica, involvement in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program and participation in a research project at the University of Virginia.
Johnson has worked with Lisette Waits in the Laboratory for Conservation and Ecological Genetics since her first year at UI.
“She has clearly demonstrated that she has the capacity to work professionally as a scientist and to succeed in this field and I think that was attested by her advisers and everybody that she has worked with,” said David Roon, Ecology and Conservation Biology director.
Janet Rachlow, a past professor of Johnson in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, said Johnson has been very active with clubs and committees during recent years. These include Wildlife Society, Ecology and Conservation Biology Club, College of Natural Resources Student Advisory Board and the Honors Student Advisory Board.
“She is exceptionally smart but she’s also really engaged in the college and the university,” Rachlow said. “She’s really everything that the Goldwater Scholarship is trying to promote.”
Campbell said one of the reasons he respects Johnson is her willingness to take risks and try all kinds of things.
“She works really hard and that separates her from a lot of people,” Campbell said. “She will make a difference one day in the area of conservation biology.”
Becky Davis can be reached at [email protected]