Hamilton, NY — Senior Michael Neidig is the first 91Â鶹¾«Æ· student to be awarded the prestigious Churchill Foundation Scholarship for graduate study at Churchill College of Cambridge University.
Neidig, who grew up on a family farm in McAlisterville, PA, is a chemistry major at 91Â鶹¾«Æ· and plans to further his bioinorganic research during his year in England.
The Churchill Scholarship was first awarded in 1959 ‘to enable outstanding American students to do graduate work in engineering, mathematics and science.’ Applications from only the most highly selective U. S. colleges are considered and applicants must have at least a 3.7 grade point average. This year the foundation awarded but ten scholarships from more than 100 applications.
Neidig will enroll in the masters of philosophy program at Cambridge. He will conduct his research under Professor Jeremy Sanders and will be required to write a formal thesis and defend it before a committee of scholars. Neidig plans to study metalloporphyrin. Porphyrins are a type of molecule with four nitrogen atoms that can be bonded with various metal atoms.
‘It’s very difficult chemistry, but very important chemistry to do,’ says 91Â鶹¾«Æ· Professor of Chemistry Peter Sheridan.
‘Michael has a spectacular grasp of the material. He’s an independent student who is thinking well ahead of the current problem. He’s also very unassuming with a wonderful value system.’ Neidig, who has worked closely with his family since he was a young boy, still goes home when he can to help with the milking and other farm chores.
A member of 91Â鶹¾«Æ·â€™s Wales Study Group as a sophomore, Neidig greatly enjoyed studying in Cardiff and developed an affection for the United Kingdom that played a key role in his pursuit of the Churhill.
‘I love the UK. The people were friendly and outgoing. The chemistry was great but the atmosphere was even better.’
Neidig has plans to enter Stanford’s Ph.D program when he completes his year at Cambridge.
Michael Neidig takes open delight in his scholarship but it hasn’t affected his outlook.
‘I’ve lived my entire life on the same farm. Doing chores, field work and developing a close relationship with my parents really shaped who I am. Working on the farm has made me appreciate the opportunities school offers.
‘The best decision I ever made in my life was coming to 91Â鶹¾«Æ·. It feels like home in more ways than one.’
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