Homeland Security names Berkeley students to fellows and scholars program
BERKELEY – Six University of California, Berkeley, students are among 101 students across the nation who were named this week to the new Homeland Security Scholars and Fellows Program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Science and Technology. Thirteen of the fellows and scholars hailed from California.
"We are extremely pleased to welcome these individuals as part of our team to explore the future scientific possibilities for protecting our nation against terrorism," Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said in a statement to the media about the new scholars and fellows from across the country. "These students will be part of the team of individuals representing their state as part of our national mission to protect the homeland."
Five UC Berkeley students – Eric G. Chang of Oakland; Daniel A. Hazen of Berkeley; Ryan M. White of San Carlos; Paul Baginski of Hackensack, N.J.; and Shawn R. Jeffery of Madison, Wisc. – are new fellows of the program. A sixth, Carlton J. Fowler of Auburn, was named a program scholar. They will begin their programs this fall.
"We firmly believe that this program will produce talented scientists and engineers that will play a vital role in securing our nation against terrorism," Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Charles McQueary said in the press statement.
The Department of Homeland Security received nearly 2,500 applications for these highly competitive awards from students in such fields as the physical, biological, social and behavioral sciences, engineering, mathematics and computer science. Each applicant expressed an interest in pursuing scientific and technological innovations that can be applied to the department's mission.
The department's Office of Science and Technology is its primary research and development arm.
Engineering students comprised about one-third of the total award recipients, followed by students from computer science and math, psychology and social sciences. Men and women were almost equally represented as award recipients.
After graduation from their colleges and universities, these students are encouraged to consider employment offers from the Department of Homeland Security, state and local operational offices, Department of Homeland Security-affiliated laboratories and facilities, and/or Department of Homeland Security-related university positions.
Note: This press release has been updated from one issued
Sept. 23, when UC Berkeley Media Relations had access only
to information about winners from California.