SALISBURY, MD—Salisbury University junior Cailin Snider recently was named a recipient of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the preeminent undergraduate academic award in the fields of natural sciences, engineering and mathematics.
Snider, an earth science major from Arnold, MD, is among 441 students, from an applicant pool of more than 5,000 sophomores and juniors, who were awarded scholarships of up to $7,500 per year to assist in their pursuit of degrees and research.
“I’m very passionate about geography and geosciences, especially severe and hazardous weather, so it’s an honor to receive an award so prominent in the field of natural sciences,” she said. “Our world is becoming a bigger place, and with that comes more threats. I’d love to be able to make a difference and find a way to protect people from and help them recover from natural disasters.”
Snider is currently conducting the research project “Measuring, Mapping and Analyzing Seasonal and Surface Temperature Variations of Salisbury University Land Use/Land Cover (LULC)” with Drs. Dan Harris and Mara Chen, SU professors of geography and geosciences.
“I hope to stress the importance of and help increase visibility and interest in the geoscience field,” said Snider. “It’s so rewarding, and SU is a great place to start off in this career. The faculty are amazing and will support you in every way possible. There are many opportunities on campus that are beneficial for anyone interested in geography and geosciences.”
While obtaining her associate’s degree at Anne Arundel Community College, Snider’s work “Comparison of Water Quality Along the Two Creeks Bordering Anne Arundel College” was published in the college’s Journal of Emerging Scholarship. She also has presented at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Conference.
She is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society and the DMV Association of Women’s Geoscientists, and is a geography and geosciences tutor.
Snider hopes to pursue a graduate degree in geography and geosciences, and engage in future research that includes both national and international education surrounding severe weather.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including three decades in the U.S. Senate.
“I’m very proud of Cailin’s representation of SU,” said Dr. Kristen Walton, director of SU’s Nationally Competitive Fellowships Office. “The Goldwater not only gives money to help with SU expenses for next year, but also opens doors with graduate school contacts and the prestige of the award makes students more likely to be strongly considered for the Fulbright Award and other awards in the future.”
Students interested in the Goldwater should email Dr. Matt Bailey, SU’s Goldwater Scholarship advisor, at mabailey@salisbury.edu or Walton at kpwalton@salisbury.edu.
For more information visit the SU Nationally Competitive Fellowships Office webpage at www.salisbury.edu/nationalfellowships.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.
