Liam Hovey earns Goldwater Scholarship

2014 Apr 9

University of Iowa junior Liam Hovey has received a 2014 Goldwater Scholarship, the premier undergraduate award for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Stillwater, Minn., native is majoring in chemistry and physics with a minor in mathematics, all fields in the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He also is a student in the UIHonors Program.

Hovey is currently conducting research on calcium signaling and ion channel regulation with a team led by Madeline Shea, professor of biochemistry in Carver College of Medicine. She says she was thrilled to hear about Hovey's honor, but wasn't surprised.

"Liam has the ability to make significant contributions to original and independent research in the United States," Shea says. "The Goldwater Foundation is making a wise investment in a young scientist who possesses the passion and skill required to work at the edge of innovative and cross-disciplinary fields."

Hovey, who will receive up to $7,500 in funding for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, plans to pursue a doctoral degree and perform research in structural biology and electrophysiology with an emphasis in pharmacological applications.

Congress established the Goldwater Scholarship in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, and to challenge and support outstanding young scholar-researchers.