(Wellesley Hills, MA) – MassBay Community College Biotechnology student Carolyn Lanzkron of Brighton, Mass., has won a prestigious 2013 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship in Science and Engineering, taking her place alongside students from world-renowned four-year colleges. The award is the nation's highest and most prestigious undergraduate science scholarship for which there is fierce national competition.
Among the approximately 300 Goldwater scholarships awarded this year, Lanzkron is the only winner from a community college. She will graduate in May with an associate’s degree in Biotechnology and intends to obtain a Doctorate in the field of entomology. She also expects to conduct research at a four-year institution and continue to mentor nontraditional undergraduates in the basic sciences.
Lanzkron, 48, is carrying a 4.0, juggling a full course load while raising five children. Her Goldwater Scholarship adds to the list of academic accolades she has earned, including being selected as a National Science Foundation Undergraduate Fellow in 2012, a nomination by MassBay President John O’Donnell for the All-USA Academic Team (pending), and selection as a Senior Peer Mentor in MassBay’s Biotechnology Program for her demonstrated ability to coach, inspire and enhance the scientific skills of her fellow students.
“Intellectually, Carolyn is a genius,” says Dr. Bruce A. Jackson, a professor of biotechnology and forensic DNA science, who serves as chairman of the Biotechnology Department at MassBay. “Because of her dazzling intellect and great career potential as a scientist, I have no doubt she will ultimately edify scientific research and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts over many years of what will surely be a stellar career. “
“As Carolyn Lanzkron’s mentor, teacher, and Department Chair for the past two years, I have come to thoroughly comprehend the scope of her extraordinary leadership and scientific potentials and fervent passion for using science for the benefit of all living things,” continued Dr. Jackson. “I predict with great assuredness that once she has reached her career goals in academia, Carolyn will mentor many nontraditional scholars of Massachusetts into science.”
MassBay students in the internationally renowned Biotechnology and Forensic DNA programs have now won 19 Goldwater Scholarships since 1996, more than those earned by all other two-year colleges in the United States combined; and exceeding those produced by most four-year colleges. The Biotechnology Program houses the only undergraduate forensic DNA program in the world, and students collaborate on national and international research and forensic DNA projects.
The Biotechnology Department at MassBay ranks among the nation’s most celebrated undergraduate science programs. For his groundbreaking program, Dr. Jackson was awarded the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring by President Barack Obama in January of 2011.
In addition to regularly producing Goldwater Scholars, MassBay’s biotechnology and environmental science programs have collaborated on several recent medical breakthroughs, including finding early indicators of Alzheimer’s disease and the discovery of a new bacteria.
“The entire MassBay community is extremely proud of the accomplishment of Carolyn Lanzkron in earning this prestigious scholarship,” said MassBay President Dr. John O’Donnell. “That we can proudly recognize our 19th Goldwater Award winner also reinforces the national prominence of the biotechnology program that Dr. Bruce Jackson and his colleagues have built here.”
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship in Science and Engineering, which recognizes academic excellence in science and mathematics, is a Congressional award under the auspices of the sitting president of the United States and the nation's highest and most prestigious science scholarship. The program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years 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 careers in these fields.
MassBay awards associate degrees and certificates in over 60 academic programs in a wide range of career-driven subjects ranging from accounting and automotive technology to forensic DNA science and early childhood education. The College’s facilities in Wellesley Hills, Framingham and Ashland house day, evening and weekend classes that meet the needs of degree-seeking students and career minded life-long learners. Online options provide convenience and allow faculty to facilitate the learning process. Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and strives to meet the needs of the diverse local communities it serves.
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