May 2005

GW Awards Scholarship to Summer Student From Taiwan

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s Miraculous Year, GW’s Physics Department and Summer Scholars pre-college program awarded a $2,000 scholarship to a high school student to participate in the Summer Scholars pre-college program and engage in faculty-mentored research. GW Summer Scholars engages students in a program of academic study and exploration of college life.

Michelle Wang, a junior at National Tainan Chia-Chi Senior High School for Girls in Taiwan, is the recipient of the Einstein Summer Science Scholarship. An American citizen by birth, Wang moved to Taiwan when her father accepted a teaching position at National Cheng Kung University. This past year, she completed a high school research project on “Toxic Metals in Oysters.” Independently, Wang also is involved in research at the National Cheng Kung University where she is studying the Development of Ionic Liquid-Based Nanopollutant Sensors.

Wang will work closely with Associate Professor of Physics Mark Reeves to complete research in condensed matter physics and biophysics. Reeves’ investigations focus on nanoscience to discover new ways to create materials with nanoparticles as building blocks.

Launched in 2003, GW’s Summer Scholars pre-college program provides opportunities for high school students to enroll in undergraduate courses, while participating in a program of academic exploration, college life, and personal enrichment.

“It is our goal to challenge students’ academic abilities, spark intellectual curiosity, and promote independence and self-sufficiency as they navigate their way through an authentic college experience,” says Georgette Edmondson-Wright, director of Summer Scholars.

Summer Scholars live on GW’s Mount Vernon Campus on Foxhall Road and take classes on the Foggy Bottom Campus.

“GW is uniquely positioned to provide students with an exciting academic experience in the heart of the nation’s capital, along with an intimate and nurturing residential experience on the Mount Vernon Campus,” Edmondson-Wright adds. “There’s no better way to experience college life and to get a sense of GW’s personality.”

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu