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Western Illinois University student Hannah Drake (Charleston, IL) recently received an honorable mention in the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Drake is a senior forensic chemistry major and a student in Western's Centennial Honors College.
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Honors Student, Forensic Chemistry Major Hannah Drake Garners Honorable Mention in Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship Program

April 8, 2015

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University student Hannah Drake (Charleston, IL) recently received an honorable mention in the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Drake is a senior forensic chemistry major and a student in Western's Centennial Honors College.

"This is the nation's most important scholarship for science, mathematics and engineering," noted Rick Hardy, director of the WIU Honors College.

Drake, who is among only 21 other students from Illinois who received honorable mentions for the 2015 program, said she first learned of the Goldwater Scholarship as a freshman, when Hardy mentioned the Goldwater Scholarship Program to her.

"Dr. Hardy has been a great mentor and friend over the last three years I have been at Western," Drake said. "Without him I would not have gone the extra mile to do research, as he is one of the most fantastic motivational speakers I have ever met."

Drake said a student does not simply apply to the Goldwater Scholarship Program; each student is chosen by faculty at his or her university or college to represent the institution. Only four per institution can be selected to apply to the program each year.

Because of the in-depth nature of the application, Drake said the application process was one of the most difficult she has experienced. She noted, on her application, she was required to show how she will continue on and "do great things" in chemistry in the future, as well as list all of her research experience she has had since she entered college.

"In the last three years, I have done research under four professors, three from WIU and one from Eastern Illinois University. The three faculty members I worked with while at Western include Dr. Tarab Ahmad (analytical chemistry), Dr. Jin Jin (organic chemistry) and Dr. Brian Bellott (inorganic chemistry). Dr. Bellott, my research mentor, deserves a tremendous amount of recognition. His countless hours with me in the lab and his patient instruction have really made the difference. I hope someday to be just like him, as an inorganic chemist myself. I also conducted research at EIU, under Dr. Daniel Sheeran (inorganic chemistry)," she explained. "In addition, I had to show that I am a well-rounded individual. I also play harp and am a second year resident assistant for University Housing."

Drake said she is happy with her choice to attend Western and study forensic chemistry.

"I came to WIU because it is affordable, close to home but not too close, a welcoming atmosphere, and most importantly, it has the American Chemical Society [ACS] certification option, as well as a certified forensic chemistry degree. Only six schools in the nation have this," she said. "Western also has a really great Honors College, which was one of my motivating factors. In addition to my major, I am minoring in math and philosophy, which are both excellent programs, as well. Western truly was the best school for me to attend, so I chose to come here."

Drake noted her success is due, in part, to a few additional individuals who have supported her in her goal to become a scientist.

"First and foremost, I would like to recognize my parents. From an early age, they supported me in my desire to become a scientist," she noted. "Along with my parents, Dr. Alan Baharlou, a good family friend from Eastern Illinois University, also encouraged me to pursue science. In high school, I had a teacher, Mr. Keating, who motivated me to choose to study chemistry in the scientific field. His encouragement made all the difference in setting me on my current path."

Hardy also noted WIU English and Journalism Professor William Knox, who is also Western's official Goldwater Scholarship Program faculty representative, played a vital role with this year's nominees from WIU.

"In addition, Mark Boley, chair of Western's physics department, offered insightful suggestions," Hardy added. "Three other students from WIU were also nominated for the 2015 Goldwater Scholarship program, including Nicholas Breslin (Galesburg, IL), a junior physics major; Joshua Diaz (Tinley Park, IL), a senior chemistry major; and Emily N. Thomas (Hampton, IL), a junior chemistry major. Just being nominated for the Goldwater is a major accomplishment."

According to the program's website, the Goldwater Scholarship was established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service 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 research careers in these fields (see goldwater.scholarsapply.org/index.php).

For more information, contact Hardy at (309) 298-2228 or via email at RJ-Hardy@wiu.edu.

Learn more about Western's Centennial Honors College at www.wiu.edu/centennial_honors_college/ and about Western's forensic chemistry program at wiu.edu/cas/chemistry/forensic.php.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing