Faculty/Student Awards
Two Stony Brook University Students Awarded Prestigious Goldwater Scholarships

STONY BROOK, N.Y., April 22, 2009 — Two Stony Brook University students have been named Goldwater Scholars, one of the most prestigious honors given nationwide to college undergraduates. Kevin Knockenhauer (21), a junior Biochemistry major from Bayshore, New York, and Yan Leyfman (19), a sophomore Biology major from Brooklyn, will each receive scholarships to cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

Kevin Knockenhauer

The awards are granted to students who plan to pursue careers in engineering, mathematics, or the natural sciences. They were announced by Mrs. Peggy Goldwater Clay, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. Goldwater Scholars are selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,097 mathematics, science, and engineering students who were nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide.

Kevin Knockenhauer was selected for his work on a project involving the retention of protective antigen immunoreactivity and functionality in a novel, transdermal anthrax vaccine. His research has been conducted with Dr. Sanford R. Simon, Professor, Departments of Biochemistry & Cell Biology; and Pathology. Yan Leyfman was chosen for his work on Colon Cancer Stem Cells. He has been working with Dr. Galina Botchkina, Professor in the Department of Surgery/Surgical Oncology. Both conducted their research last summer at Stony Brook University with the support of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and URECA summer fellowships respectively.  

Yan Leyfman

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education 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 of service 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. Since 1996, more than 25 Stony Brook University students have been honored with Goldwater Scholarships.  

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