Kristin M. Beck Wins 2007 Physics Honors Prize

January 20, 2008

(left: Kristin receives her award from Professor Frank Wolfs, Physics Undergraduate Advisor)

A member of the class of 2009, Kristin is working towards a BS in Physics, as well as a BA in Mathematics. In addition, she is earning a minor in Music. Her current GPA is an outstanding 4.0.

The Physics Honors Prize comes with a formal Certificate, a copy of the Special Expanded Edition of Feymann's Lectures on Physics, and a free three-year membership to the National Society of Physics Students (SPS). Currently, Kristin serves as Vice President of the University of Rochester's chapter of the SPS; and she also produces, writes, and records a science radio program called "Science Matters" for the University's radio station WRUR FM 88.5.

Kristin already has won a 2007 national Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, the 2007 University of Rochester Stoddard Prize in Mathematics, and the 2006 University of Rochester Iota Book Award.

The Goldwater Scholarship, a federally funded program, is a prestigious nationally competitive fellowship for undergraduate students majoring in science, mathematics, and engineering. Applicants must rank in the top quartile of their class while also demonstrating outstanding research skills and potential for advanced study in their fields. The average GPA of Goldwater Scholars is between 3.8 and 4.0, and most award winners continue their education and earn doctorate degrees. The other two University of Rochester winners in 2007 were Kathryn E. Knowles (class of 2008, BS in Chemistry, Honors BA, Mathematics) and Andrew N. Niles (class of 2008, Honors BA, Mathematics).

The University of Rochester Stoddard Prize in Mathematics is awarded annually to the best sophomore student in Mathematics.

The University of Rochester Iota Book Award is awarded annually to the previous year's most outstanding freshmen who demonstrate excellent scholastic achievement, leadership potential, high moral and ethical values, and an interest in extracurricular activities. This award is sponsored by The Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and The College at the University of Rochester.

Kristin comes to the University of Rochester from Colts Neck, New Jersey, where she attended High Technology High School, a pre-engineering academy that is a joint venture between Monmouth County Vocational School District Board of Education and the Brookdale Community College Board of Trustees. (lhg)