UNLV biology major Archana Nelliot knew from an early age that a career in the sciences would be her life's calling. That calling got a major boost recently when she was awarded a 2005 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for her undergraduate research in the natural sciences, the premier undergraduate award of its type in the field.
Nelliot is the only student in Nevada this year to be awarded the prestigious scholarship and one of only 310 recipients nationwide. Goldwater Scholars often garner attention from prestigious post-graduate fellowship programs and have been awarded 56 Rhodes Scholarships, 66 Marshall Awards, and numerous other distinguished fellowships.
"Archie is an extraordinarily talented young lady and it has been great fun working with her since her freshman year," said UNLV Biology Professor Deborah Hoshizaki. "She is an outstanding student with a brilliant future, and this award is a tribute to both her hard work and dedication to research."
Nelliot was selected in part because of her undergraduate studies in Hoshizaki's laboratory on the biological phenomenon known as tissue dissociation - the study of which Nelliot hopes will someday lead to a greater understanding of wound healing and how cancer metastasizes. Working as a member of Hoshizaki's research group for the past 18 months, Nelliot used the fruit fly as a model system to identify genes critical to the developmental processes of tissue dissociation.
"Studying the intricacies of life has always intrigued me in a way that neither the liberal nor the fine arts ever could," said Nelliot. "For me it is either a career in biology or none at all. This award will allow me to dedicate all my time to my academic and research interests, and I am extremely honored and grateful to have received it. "
Following the completion of her undergraduate degree at UNLV in 2006, Nelliot plans to pursue a doctorate in cell and molecular biology, after which she then hopes to pursue a career in the field of biomedical research.
Established by Congress in 1986 to honor the late senator, the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships and Excellence in Education Program seeks to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in those fields. Goldwater Scholarships covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.
