Computational Mathematics major Leah Michelle Birch was awarded The 2011 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. The purpose of the Goldwater foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.

Leah Michelle Birch will participate in the 2011 Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) program at the Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics at UCLA. This summer undergraduate research program provides high-achieving undergraduate students with the opportunity to work in teams on real-world research projects proposed by a sponsor from industry or the public sector.