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Health & Fitness

MassBay Student Earns Highest Science Scholarship in Nation

Lindsay Schulman becomes MassBay’s 20th Goldwater Scholar

MassBay Community College announced today that Lindsay Schulman of Framingham has been named a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar, the highest undergraduate award for science, math and engineering in the nation.  Schulman is enrolled in the internationally renowned Associate Degree in Biotechnology: Forensic DNA Science program and is scheduled to graduate in May, 2014.

MassBay students in the Biotechnology and Forensic DNA programs have now won 20 Goldwater Scholarships since 1996, more than those earned by all other two-year colleges in the United States combined; and exceeding many four-year colleges. The Biotechnology Program houses the only undergraduate Forensic DNA program in the world, and students collaborate on national and international research and forensic DNA projects.

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Schulman’s application to the Goldwater selection committee investigated the molecular processes that govern evolution at the DNA level between humans and the vectors that transmit diseases to human populations.  She is trying to identify universal DNA signal-motifs that could be shared by some organisms that allow and direct co-evolution.

“The entire MassBay community is extremely proud of Lindsay Schulman in earning this prestigious scholarship,” said MassBay President Dr. John O’Donnell.  “Like so many of her classmates, Lindsay came to MassBay to work hard, change careers, and pursue her dreams.  She has now earned her rightful place among the nation’s elite scholars.”

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“Lindsay is another example of how American community colleges are taking their place among the major universities in the production of great scholars and leaders of the 21st century,” said Dr. Bruce A. Jackson, a professor of biotechnology and forensic DNA science, who serves as chairman of the Biotechnology Department at MassBay. 

“It is an absolute honor, following in the footsteps of the 19 previous winners,” said Schulman. “This award means that I can actually pursue school further and follow my dreams of becoming a scientist.  It is a great honor.”  Schulman intends to enroll in UMass-Lowell’s Bachelors in Biotechnology program in the fall.

The Biotechnology Department at MassBay ranks among the nation’s most celebrated undergraduate science programs. For his groundbreaking program, Dr. Jackson was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring by President Barack Obama in January of 2011.

In addition to regularly producing Goldwater Scholars, MassBay’s biotechnology and environmental science programs have collaborated on several recent medical breakthroughs, including finding early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease and the discovery of a new bacteria.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship in Science and Engineering, which recognizes academic excellence in science and mathematics, is a Congressional award under the auspices of the sitting president of the United States and the nation’s highest and most prestigious science scholarship. The program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.

MassBay awards associate degrees and certificates in over 70 academic programs in a wide range of career-driven subjects ranging from accounting and automotive technology to forensic DNA science and early childhood education.  The College’s facilities in Wellesley Hills, Framingham and Ashland house day, evening and weekend classes that meet the needs of degree-seeking students and career minded life-long learners.  Online options provide convenience and allow faculty to facilitate the learning process.  Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and strives to meet the needs of the diverse local communities it serves

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