Eight undergraduate students in the Department of Physics and Astronomy were recently awarded scholarships. They include: Emerson Peters,  Avi Kaufman, Eric Biedke, Mary Haag, Phillipe Jay, Aditya Venkatesh, and Zachary Piker.

The Myrtle K. Maier Scholarship award was renewed for Emerson Peters. This award is based primarily on scholastic ability, need, potential for success and ambition toward securing an advanced degree. Edith Maier Singh of Geneva, Switzerland established this scholarship in memory of her mother, Myrtle L. Koenig Maier.  Mrs. Maier graduated from The University of Iowa in 1921 with a major in Physics and died in January 1988.  The first priority of the scholarship is to support a female student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Emerson Peters, Avi Kaufman and Eric Biedke received the James A. Van Allen Award. Professor James Van Allen established this award in 1979 using personal funds and funds donated by others to the University of Iowa.  The award is given annually to one or more senior undergraduate students at The University of Iowa for outstanding work in either physics or astronomy. 

Mary Haag received the Distinguished Achievement Award (or Distinguished Service Award) for excellent performance as a student and/or service to the Department; commonly awarded to the Society of Physics Students president in past years. 

Phillipe Jay, Aditya Venkatesh, and Zachary Piker are the recipients of the Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate Scholar Award, given for outstanding academic achievement as an undergraduate in physics and/or astronomy while at Iowa.