Susie P. Gonzalez

210-999-8406

susie.gonzalez@trinity.edu

TRINITY CHEMISTRY STUDENT WINS GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP

May 16, 2001 — A Trinity University chemistry student has been awarded a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for the 2001-02 academic year. Justin L. “Scoobie” Mynar of Hewitt, Texas, who is completing his junior year at Trinity, plans to seek a doctorate in organic chemistry and pursue a career in academia or chemistry. “I like to build things and discover things,” Mr. Mynar says. “Organic chemistry is like discovering a puzzle that no one has yet put together.” Mr. Mynar has been a University Scholar twice and previously received a Dow-Jones Chemistry Scholarship. He is vice president of the chemistry club and played varsity football with the Trinity Tigers before quitting to spend more time in the research laboratory. Earlier this spring, Mr. Mynar presented two papers on his research at the San Diego convention of the American Chemical Society. Nancy Mills, professor and chair of Trinity’s chemistry department, says Mr. Mynar has worked on a variety of projects under her tutelage and is distinguished by the way he has taken ownership of the projects. He even spent most of one winter break researching a subject in the library at Baylor University near his hometown, she says. “He is an incredibly hard worker and has a sophistication about his chemistry that is far greater than his age would suggest,” Professor Mills says. “Justin also has a very strong service ethic. If something needs to be done in the department, he will volunteer for it, whether or not he has time. I have really valued my interaction with him.” Steven Bachrach, the Semmes Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Trinity, notes Mr. Mynar's exceptional enthusiasm and energy. “He is always looking to do what's next in the lab or what's next in the class. He doesn't stop, he gives 1000 percent,” Professor Bachrach says. “He's a smart guy, but there are a lot of smart guys here at Trinity. He is exceptional for his enthusiasm for chemistry.” In its 12th year, the Barry N. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation pays tribute to the late Arizona senator by honoring students planning to pursue careers in math, the natural sciences, and engineering. The endowed recognition program was established by the United States Congress to foster and encourage excellence in science and mathematics. According to the foundation, 524 universities nominated 1,164 students for this 2001-02 program. A total of 302 scholarships were awarded on the basis of academic merit. The one- and two-year scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. Trinity University, founded in 1869, is a highly selective, professionally oriented liberal arts and sciences institution.  It has had at least one Goldwater winner each year since 1995. This residential, primarily undergraduate coeducational university is noted for its superb facilities and undergraduate research opportunities. It is a learning community that has charted its course with a steadfast commitment to excellence for more than 130 years.

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Last updated on May 16, 2001 by the Office of Public Relations