Barry Goldwater Scholarship Award Winner
04-15-2021
Justin Copenhaver, a student in the College of Science with majors in physics and mathematics was awarded a 2021 Barry Goldwater Scholarship. Copenhaver, from Russiaville, Ind., is a physics and mathematics dual major planning on obtaining a physics PhD focused on condensed matter theory and quantum information. He has worked with Professor Adam Wasserman from Chemistry and Professor Birgit Kaufmann from Mathematics/Physics. Currently, Justin is working with Professor Jukka Vayrynen in Physics.
Justin’s research for the Goldwater application was his work applying quantum annealers to problems in quantum chemistry. He is currently working on research on topological insulators and quantum transport, specifically how spin-symmetry breaking perturbations can affect spin transport in two-dimensional topological insulators like graphene. In the future he hopes to meld these research interests together to study how topics in condensed matter physics can be applied to the development of quantum computers.
Please join us in congratulating Justin on this great achievement!
In addition, Ethan Brady was also a Purdue University nominee.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate. The Foundation awards scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in science, mathematics, and engineering.
Goldwater Scholars have impressive academic and research credentials that have garnered the attention of prestigious post-graduate fellowship programs. Goldwater Scholars have been awarded 94 Rhodes Scholarships, 150 Marshall Scholarships, 170 Churchill Scholarships, 109 Hertz Fellowships, and numerous other distinguished awards like the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships.
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