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Oxford student earns Goldwater scholarship

Miami University student Iordan Ganev, a sophomore mathematics and statistics and environmental science co-major from Oxford, has been awarded a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship — the most prestigious award of its type for undergraduates in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering.

The scholarship provides as much as $7,500 per year for college expenses.

Ganev has worked with mentors Nancy Solomon, professor of zoology, and Brian Keane, associate professor of zoology, Miami Hamilton, since he was a first-year student, conducting statistical analyses on how data from field studies of prairie voles can be used to interpret the species' social organization and behavior. He is a contributing writer to a manuscript for submission to the Journal of Mammology, and co-author of a presentation on the project that will be given at the International Society for Behavioral Ecology meeting this summer, according to Solomon.

He also is working with Tom Farmer, associate professor of mathematics and statistics, on a research project involving algebraic groups. This summer he will conduct research with mentors Doug Noe, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics, and Hank Stevens, associate professor of botany, as an undergraduate summer scholar. He will compare different inferential methods in mixed models in order to make them more applicable to ecological studies.

Ganev is a Harrison Scholar and member of Miami's honors program. He is a member of the astronomy club and the math club, among others. He has been involved in an archaeological dig in Israel, and plans to study abroad during his time at Miami.

After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctorate in mathematics.

Area students earn recognitions at other colleges

Rachel Goldy of Oxford has been named to the American University dean's list for achieving a 3.5 GPA or better during the fall 2007 semester.

Andrew Braun of Hamilton is a member of the Philosophy Club at Ashland University. He is the son of Michael and Dale Braun and is majoring in political science.

The Philosophy Club at Ashland provides students with the opportunity to discuss various philosophical concepts and ideas.

Joshua Braun of Hamilton is a representative for Phi Kappa Psi for the Interfraternity Council at Ashland University. He is the son of Michael and Dale Braun and is majoring in integrated social studies education.

Interfraternity Council governs all chartered fraternities.

Area man joins Army in delayed enlistment program

Maxwell C. McCarter has joined the United States Army Reserve under the Delayed Training Program. The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay reporting for basic military training for as many as 270 days. The recruit qualifies for a $20,000 enlistment bonus.

McCarter will report to Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., for basic training in June 2008.

He is the son of Laurie A. Powell of Hamilton and Charles G. McCarter of Clanton, Ala.

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