Two students named Goldwater scholars

Two UW–Madison students have been named Barry M. Goldwater scholars: Pallavi P. Gopal, a senior in molecular biology from Brookfield, and Anders C. Olson, a senior in zoology from Sun Prairie.

They were among 304 students nationally to be recognized by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, which was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Sen. Goldwater and to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering.

The scholarship covers expenses for tuition, fees, books and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 annually. Students receive funding each year for the remainder of college. Here is some background on each of the local students, who are enrolled in the College of Letters and Science:

Pallavi P. Gopal
Gopal, a member of the Medical Scholars program, is working with Dr. Ronald Kalil, chair of the Neuroscience Training Program, to identify conditions that permit the brain’s neurons to divide and replace themselves.

The program, she says, has provided her with opportunities to communicate with physician-scientists, researchers and medical students and to reach out to homeless families to “define the meaning of health and wellness.

“Not only has the Medical Scholars Program introduced me to research, but also to the clinical and community side of medicine,” Gopal says.

Gopal, who expects to graduate in May 2000, plans to pursue a medical degree and doctorate. “My career goal is to integrate biomedical research with medicine so that I may contribute to society as a scientist and as a physician,” she says. “I would like to combine my research interests in understanding the cellular and molecular level of neuroscience and exploring the possibilities for regeneration of neurons with clinical medicine to develop more effective treatments and to have a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Gopal understands the impact of brain degeneration from first-hand experience. She volunteers as a personal companion to patients suffering the effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, multiple sclerosis and ALS (better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).

“As I learn more about them and meet their families, I am realizing the depth and strength of the human spirit,” Gopal says. “My goal is to help them hold onto that humanity for as long as possible.”

Among other activities, Gopal also has volunteered at UW Children’s Hospital and helped develop a project that brings low-income children to campus Saturdays for six weeks during the spring semester, with the goal of exposing the children to engaging and rewarding learning experiences led by UW–Madison professors. Gopal mentors younger students in the Medical Scholars program, and tutors when she can find time.

“Also very dear to me is my religion and Indian heritage,” Gopal adds. “I am one of the leaders of a student organization on campus, Dharma, that celebrates ancient Vedic spirituality and traditional Indian culture.”

Anders C. Olson
Olson, who expects to graduate in May 2000, is deeply involved in research in the laboratory of Anthony Ives, associate professor of zoology and Anders’ academic advisor as well as research mentor.

For two years, Olson has been helping Ives study biological control of agricultural pests, particularly the pea aphid in Wisconsin alfalfa fields. As part of the lab, Olson has collected field data and contributed to field and lab experiments.

In addition, Olson has designed and conducted his own project, which investigates the spatial distribution of attacks on pea aphids by Aphidius ervi, a natural enemy found in alfalfa fields. This summer, he also will be working on a senior thesis in Ives’ lab. Biological control research contributes to scientific understanding of ecology, and also holds promise to make agriculture safer for humans and more benign for the environment by reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Despite the demands of research, Olson finds time for community service activities. As part of the America Reads program, he currently spends Friday mornings at Van Hise Elementary School ion Madison, helping second grade students with reading. “It is rewarding and fun; I have learned a lot from it,” Olson says.

Next year, he and fellow student Fred Boehm, a senior from Stevens Point, will be working on a new program with the Salvation Army in Madison. “We hope to bring educational materials and experiences to children there one or two nights per week,” Olson says.

Olson plans to go to graduate school eventually, but not right after graduation. “I am considering graduate studies in ecology or environmental studies,” he says. As for career, “I tentatively plan to do teaching and research at the university level, but I can’t honestly specify much more than that.”