September 26, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Five UAB students enrolled in the UAB Science and Technology Honors Program have won the Wachovia Foundation Scholars Award.

The Wachovia Foundation Scholars Award supports the educational and research expenses of outstanding women and minorities preparing for careers in science and engineering. The goal is to increase the numbers of minorities and women in the sciences. Applicants must demonstrate a potential for success in research and development, intellectual curiosity, creativity, leadership ability and commitment to community.

The students each will receive a four-year, $28,000 scholarship for tuition, living expenses, study abroad, travel to scientific meetings and research supplies. The winners are:

José Román, 18, of Madison, is a freshman biomedical engineering major. He is the son of José and Monsi Román of Madison.

Blair Farley, 18, of Homewood, is a freshman mechanical engineering major. She is the daughter of Ron and Jan Farley of Homewood.

Andrew Barrera, 18, of Jasper, is a freshman math and physics major. He is the son of George and Renee Barrera of Jasper.

Keith Anderson, 17, of Harvest, is a freshman biomedical engineering major. He is the son of Tommy and Cheryl Anderson of Harvest.

Sonda [cq] Sengupta, 18, of Prattville, is a sophomore biology and chemistry major. She is the daughter of Subhash and Bina Sengupta of Prattville.

The UAB Science and Technology Honors Program prepares future scientific leaders through courses that teach students how scientists and engineers approach complex problems.