University of Notre Dame junior Patrick O’Hayer has been named a 2012 Barry M. Goldwater Scholar. He was selected from thousands of applicants to receive the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for the 2012-2013 academic year.
O’Hayer is a member of the Glynn Family Honors Program and is majoring in biology, with a minor in philosophy. He plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. dual degree program and wants to conduct translational medical research, likely in the field of molecular genetics.
Since 2009, he has performed research for David Hyde, the Rev. Howard J. Kenna, C.S.C., Memorial Director of the Zebrafish Research Center, investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying retinal regeneration in zebrafish (Danio rerio). He also serves as a teaching assistant in a laboratory course taught by Michelle Whaley. O’Hayer frequently gives presentations about his research and was selected to speak about his experience with undergraduate research at a special event for potential College of Science donors in Chicago in Fall 2011.
Congress established the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the 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. For more information: http://www.act.org/goldwater.
Originally published by at science.nd.edu on April 12, 2012.
