YSU student earns Goldwater scholarship

YOUNGSTOWN -- A junior biology major at Youngstown State University is among 320 college students in the nation to win a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for the 2005-06 academic year.
Lori MacDonald of Harmony, Pa., is a YSU university scholar, and after graduation, she plans to pursue a doctorate in microbiology, conduct research and teach at a small college.
The award, given to college sophomores and juniors, covers the cost of tuition, university fees, books, room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 annually.
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation provides funds for undergraduate students with excellent academic records and outstanding potential. The awards support study in the fields of math, engineering and the natural sciences.
The award is named after the longtime U.S. senator from Arizona and the 1964 Republican presidential candidate.
MacDonald's honors thesis at YSU, "The Effect of IL-12 Therapy on Cytokine Gene Expression in M.tb-infected Mice," involved extensive research.
She also has been involved in community service activities associated with breast cancer research and education, the March of Dimes, Shantytown and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Mahoning Valley.
MacDonald is among 21 Pennsylvania students to win the award this year.