Two UF students named Goldwater Scholars for next academic year

May 3, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two University of Florida students have been named Goldwater Scholars for the 2012-2013 year by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.

Zachary Kaufman and Lauren McLeod are two of 282 students nationwide to receive the scholarship, which recognizes and awards sophomores and juniors who excel in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.

Kaufman, from Plantation, Fla., is a junior with a double major in electrical engineering and computer engineering. He plans to earn his doctorate and to conduct research involving microelectromechanical systems. His ultimate goal is to teach at the university level.

McLeod, from Sunrise, Fla., is a junior physics major. She plans to pursue a doctorate in biophysics and teach at the university level.

More than 1,000 students were nominated for the award by college and university faculty members around the country. This is the eighth year in a row that UF has had multiple students named as Goldwater Scholars.

Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually.