BioE Senior Named Merrill Presidential Scholar

Fischell Department of Bioengineering (BioE) rising senior Anthony Awojoodu has been named one of 2008's Merill Presidential Scholars.

The Merrill Presidential Scholars Program honors the University of Maryland’s most successful rising seniors and their mentors from both the University faculty and their K-12 education. Each year, scholars and their mentors are recognized in a special ceremony, and teachers and faculty participate in a workshop designed to strengthen relationships between the university and K-12 schools. To continue the legacy of academic excellence and mentoring, scholarships are awarded in the K-12 mentors' names to new first year students from their respective high schools or school districts.

In a statement on the Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars web site, Awojoodu explained how his university faculty mentor, Professor Art Johnson (BioE), has influenced his success. "Great teachers are passionate about both the subjects and students they teach," he wrote. "Dr. Arthur Johnson…has been one of my most important mentors at Maryland. He enables students to solve problems successfully and to see how engineers must approach theoretical and real-life problems to maintain their credibility, professionalism, and moral standards. Dr. Johnson’s creativity and liveliness in the classroom demonstrate his passion for education. His approachability and knowledge make him a great source of advice for engineering and other areas of education."

"He was a lively and engaged student," Johnson says of Awojoodu. "I had him in two classes—tough classes where I expect a lot out of the students, and require them to work very hard together. But he really responded. This is a great honor for him, and an honor for me."

For More Information:

Visit the Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars Program web site »

Published July 3, 2008