OU Student Receives Goldwater Honor

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April 11, 2011
CONTACT: The University of Oklahoma, Public Affairs, (405) 325-1701

NORMAN – University of Oklahoma honors student Eddie Shimp of McAlester has been named a 2011 Goldwater Scholar. His selection brings to 31 the number of OU students named to that honor since 1995 and places OU in the top ranks of universities nationally. The prestigious scholarships are awarded on the basis of potential and intent to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering.

“The entire university congratulates Eddie Shimp on this signal honor,” said OU President David L. Boren. “His selection continues OU’s national prominence in the selection of Goldwater Scholars in math and science.”

Shimp holds a 4.0 grade-point average and is a pursuing a degree in chemical engineering with an emphasis on biotechnology and a minor in mathematics. Currently working with David Schmidtke, director of the OU Bioengineering Center and associate professor of chemical, biological and materials engineering, Shimp has worked for a year on projects that deal with cell adhesion in the blood stream. This work can help with the prevention of blood cell clotting in vessels and potentially provide a method by which pharmaceuticals could more easily target certain parts of the body.

His plans this summer include preparing for an accelerated master’s degree program and continuing his current lab research. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in bioengineering, followed by a doctorate in biomedical engineering. His career plans include conducting research in biomedical engineering and teaching at the university level.

While at OU, Shimp has been awarded the OU Regents’ Scholarship, the College of Engineering Program of Excellence Scholarship, the School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering Program of Excellence Scholarship, and the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship. He also has received an Undergraduate Research Fellowship and the PACE Award recognizing freshmen for outstanding achievement. Additionally, he was named Outstanding Sophomore in Chemical Engineering and the Housing Center Student Association’s Outstanding Student Representative. Shimp has served the Housing Student Center Association as vice president and as General Counsel chair.

Also during this time at OU, Shimp has served as a delegate at the regional and national levels of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls Leadership Conference. Currently a Sooner Scout, Shimp is a member of the Engineers’ Club and the E-1 Club and has performed with the OU Symphony Band.

The national scholarship competition is conducted by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. The scholarships cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

McALESTER – Eddie Shimp, a junior majoring in chemical engineering, is the son of Valerie and Upton Shimp.

TULSA – Shimp is the grandson of John Burks.

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