UNC third-year student Chiara Pancaldo Salemi has been named a 2016 Goldwater Scholar and Mike Lebhar, also a third-year student, was named an honorable mention.

“My congratulations go to Chiara and Mike on their prestigious recognition from the Goldwater Foundation,” said chancellor Carol Folt. “They are perfect examples of next generation leaders and problem solvers who make an impact on a global scale.”

The Goldwater Scholarship was named after former U.S. presidential candidate Barry Goldwater and provides up to $7,500 per year for eligible educational expenses to students who excel in academics and who plan to pursue research careers in science, mathematics, engineering and computer disciplines.

For 2016, the foundation selected 252 scholarship recipients. Salemi and Lebhar were chosen from a field of 1,150 students who were nominated by colleges and universities nationwide.

“Both students have exceptional academic qualifications and substantial practical research experience,” said Jason Reed, associate professor of biology and chair of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Goldwater selection committee.

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