Junior earns top science honor
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Taylor Murphy ’13 received a prestigious science scholarship for her exceptional work in biochemistry and mathematics. Murphy is one of 282 students to earn Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships this spring, from a field of 1,123 applicants nationwide. The Goldwater Scholarship provides up to $7,500 per year for educational expenses to sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering.
Widely considered the preeminent award in the United States for undergraduates preparing for careers in the sciences, Goldwater Scholarships have been awarded to eight Lewis & Clark students in the past five years.
Taylor Murphy ’13
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Majors: Biochemistry/molecular biology and mathematics
What drew you to studying the sciences?
I have always had an interest in science, but it was my experience in a high school biochemistry course that motivated me to pursue the sciences in college. During this course, I learned about cellular functions on the molecular level. I was fascinated by how this knowledge can be applied to the understanding and treatment of diseases.
Do you work closely with faculty? What is that experience like?
My favorite aspect of being a student at Lewis & Clark has been having the opportunity to work closely with professors. In the spring of 2011, I began working in Professor Janis Lochner’s lab, where we perform research studying neuromodulatory proteins and their role in long-term memory formation. My experience working in the lab has inspired me to pursue a career in the sciences.
What are your plans for the future, and how do you think your Lewis & Clark education is preparing you for those goals?
After completing my undergraduate studies at Lewis & Clark, I plan on entering a neuroscience PhD program with the goal of contributing to scientific developments in this area. I am currently completing majors in biochemistry/molecular biology and mathematics. My background in biochemistry will allow me to pursue work in molecular and cellular neurobiology, while my focus on mathematics will allow me to explore areas of computational neuroscience.
