Fahmin Basher and Elizabeth "Beth Ann" Bell have been named 2007 Barry M. Goldwater Scholars.

They were selected, along with 317 other science, mathematics, and engineering students from a pool of 1,110 applicants nationwide, on the basis of academic merit. 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.

Basher, a junior double majoring in chemical engineering and biological sciences, is a student in the Honors College. She holds the Ada B. Thomas and the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Carolina scholarships and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She also is a Palmetto Fellow, National Merit Scholar, National Honor Society Scholar, H. Filmore Mabry Scholar, and Rothberg Chemical Engineering Scholar. She is conducting research in the lab of Melissa Moss in the University of South Carolina Department of Chemical Engineering as a recipient of the Honors College Undergraduate Research Fellowship.

Bell is a geology major and a student in the Honors College. She participated in a NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates at the Stony Brook University last summer. She continues research in the lab of David Barbeau in the University of South Carolina Department of Geological Sciences. She presented at the 2005 and 2006 Geological Society of American annual meetings.

Tyler Ray and Xiaoyi "Tina" Zhang received an Honorable Mention in the undergraduate competition.

Ray, a junior mechanical engineering major and McNair Scholar, is a student in the Honors College.

Zhang, a junior biological science major holds the USC Athletic Department Carolina Scholarship and is a student in the Honors College.

The Goldwater Scholarship is awarded nationally to sophomores and juniors pursuing undergraduate degrees in natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering with the intent to pursue a career in research and/or college-level teaching.

To apply for a Goldwater Scholarship, students must be nominated by a University faculty committee. USC, as well as all other institutions of higher education, can only nominate four students for this award.

This year marks the 17th straight that the University has had at least one but up to four Goldwater Scholars. A total of 32 Goldwater Scholarships have been won by USC students since 1990.

3/07