Six students from the University of Dayton won prestigious national awards and fellowships during the 2015-16 academic year.

"These awards recognize the excellent scholarship, research and potential of University of Dayton undergraduate students," said Provost Paul Benson. "Their success demonstrates our curriculum and opportunities for experiential learning are preparing students to compete at the highest levels of academic awards and lead to influential careers of leadership and service."

Laura Cotten, associate director for fellowships and graduate school advising in the University Honors program, said these students represent some of the top students nationally. With the support of the University and faculty, they've diligently worked for months on their applications to secure these awards.

Award winners:

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

Adam Mohamed, a sophomore majoring in accounting and finance earned a Gilman Scholarship to study business in China through the University of Dayton China Institute located in Suzhou. "My goal is to network with Fortune 500 companies in China to gain a better understanding of their culture in the business world," Mohamed said. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program helps prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world. The program encourages students to choose non-traditional study and intern destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Barry Goldwater Scholar

Raphael Crum, a junior biology major, won a $7,500 award from the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. The award encourages outstanding students to pursue research careers in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. "My goal is to pursue a doctorate in cardiovascular physiology, followed by a research and teaching career mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in the physiological sciences," Crum said.

Fulbright Study/Research Grant

2014 international studies graduate Umberto Speranza will study "The Politics of the Migration Crisis in the Municipalities of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia" in Italy. "This Fulbright award will give me the opportunity to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. I hope to build upon the strong relationship between the United States and Italy to engage with arriving refugees and municipalities to develop successful long-term strategies," Speranza said.

Ryan Shea, a 2016 mechanical engineering graduate with a sustainability, energy and the environment minor will examine "Integrating Solar and Wind Power with Battery Storage in the Local Grid" in Mauritius. "This grant provides me with a great opportunity to continue my path toward a masters in renewable and clean energy at the University of Dayton, and a career path focused on renewable energy solutions," Shea said.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Awards

2014 graduate Claire Shaw will teach in Laos while 2016 graduate Meghan McAuliffe will teach in South Korea. Fulbright teaching awards winners provide assistance to local English teachers while serving as cultural ambassadors for the U.S.

"As a Fulbright English teaching assistant, I look forward to utilizing the skills I have learned over the past two years teaching English in Tennessee through Teach for America," Shaw said. "I look forward to creating a pen-pal program with my former students in Tennessee, teaching about American life and traditions, and exploring the country. I look forward to learning more about Laos and plan to ultimately work in international education policy."

"With this award, I hope to develop my skills in teaching and language. I will explore what learning English means to my future students and the community, as well as enhance mutual understanding between the United States and South Korea," McAuliffe said.

Twenty-four University of Dayton students have earned Fulbright awards. This is the first time a University of Dayton student has won a competitive Goldwater scholarship in consecutive years; both are from the department of biology. Only 250 students nationwide, from a pool of more than 1,000 applicants, receive Goldwater scholarships.