NEWS

UNC junior Mark Dodson wins prestigious Goldwater scholarship

Photo note: To download a photo of Dodson, see bottom of release.

Local angle: Clearwater, Largo, Fla.

By BRIAN BEDSWORTH
UNC News Services

CHAPEL HILL -- Exceptional academic achievement and community service helped win a 2002-2003 Goldwater Scholarship for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill junior Mark Dodson,

the son of Pamela and James Dodson of 427 Buttonwood Lane, Largo, Fla.

He was one of 309 winners chosen recently from among 1,155 applicants nationwide by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. The award, which will partly fund his senior year, provides up to $7,500 for educational expenses, including housing, books and tuition.

After graduating from Carolina next year, Dodson plans to enter a dual M.D. and Ph.D. program and pursue a career in medical research. His goal: developing therapeutic drugs for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

"I have long had a strong sense of compassion for people with difficulties, and I enjoy helping others through my volunteer activities," Dodson said. "I also have a deep interest in science, particularly biology. When research focuses on developing disease therapies, every small discovery moves the world one step closer to a cure for that disease. I believe that a career in biomedical research is the best way for me to use my talents to help others."

A junior biology major with a history minor, Dodson, 21, has a 3.9 grade-point average at Carolina. He is a National Merit Scholar, studies in UNC's honors program and has made the dean's list every semester. He was the 1999 valedictorian at Clearwater Central Catholic High School in Clearwater, Fla.

Since January 2001, Dodson has worked 10 hours weekly in a UNC biology lab, participating in UNC's undergraduate research program. Last summer, he took a break to work in a pharmacology lab at the Mayo Clinic Center for Neurodegenerative Disease. Previously he volunteered in another UNC lab, and he has worked at the UNC chemistry library since fall 2000.

Dodson has volunteered for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Triangle Hospice and UNC Hospitals and chaired several initiatives for his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega. He enjoys running, surfing, kayaking and snowboarding.

The Goldwater Foundation is a federally funded agency created by Congress in 1986 to honor the late Barry M. Goldwater, a military veteran and a senator for 30 years. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage exceptional students to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.

A student may apply only after being nominated by a faculty member. A faculty committee nominates up to four students to the foundation, whose national panel names winners.

UNC mathematics professor Dr. Norberto Kerzman, faculty representative for the Goldwater Foundation, said that good grades were just one requirement for the prestigious award. He stressed that research experience and personal drive were key factors in the selection process.

"We seek nominees among exceptionally creative and energetic undergraduates, especially those who already have conducted research in the natural sciences and show promise of becoming leaders in their fields," Kerzman said. "With his research experience, academic record and commitment to service, Mark was a perfect candidate for the award. He’s a very bright, diligent and hardworking young scientist, a nice blend of a good mind and a good heart -- the perfect balance."

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(Bedsworth is a senior Spanish and journalism and mass communication major from Winston-Salem.)

Photo URL: http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/students/dodson_mark.jpg

Contact: Mark Dodson, cell phone 1-727-421-5904, mdodson@email.unc.edu; Dr. Norberto Kerzman, 919-962-9605, kerzman@unc.edu