Contact: Maridith Geuder
Marc A. Seitz
Having developed a strong interest in animal health and welfare, new Barry M. Goldwater Scholar Marc A. Seitz of Mississippi State is eyeing a veterinary medical degree and a career in medical research after graduation from the university.
The senior biochemistry major from Franklin, Tenn., is among 309 scholars named earlier this week by the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation of Springfield, Va. Honoring the former Arizona senator and Republican presidential candidate, the annual awards promote study in science, mathematics, and engineering.
"Marc embodies the ideals of the Goldwater Scholarship," said Jack H. White, director of MSU's offices of Distinguished External Scholarships and University Honors Program. Seitz was nominated by the scholarship office, which provides support to students who seek nationally prominent academic recognition.
"He is an admirable student who has proven his commitment to a career that will be marked by excellence in his research," White said. "He is certain to make significant contributions to his profession, be a community leader and a notable representative of MSU."
Selected from more than 1,500 applicants, Seitz and the other winners have distinguished academic credentials and the promise for future educational successes. The awards provide up to $7,500 a year for tuition, fees, books, room, and board.
"Many people at Mississippi State have invested time and interest in me," Seitz said Thursday [April 4]. "This Goldwater award not only recognizes my accomplishments, but is a recognition of all who have supported me."
Seitz, who will continue his studies at MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine following 2003 graduation, said his advanced studies will extend a lifelong interest. "I've worked with animals since elementary school and have volunteered more than 1,300 hours at small animal clinics," he said.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Seitz and a 1999 Centennial High School graduate, he chose to attend MSU because of the veterinary college's early entry program. Through it, high-achieving high school seniors earn pre-acceptance into the college and an opportunity to complete undergraduate and doctor of veterinary medicine degrees in seven years.
Choosing the biochemistry major gives him a thorough grounding in the chemistry of biological processes and "is an outstanding preparation for study in veterinary medicine," Seitz said, adding that department head John Boyle "also has been a tremendous help as an adviser."
Seitz maintains a 3.7 grade-point average [out of 4.0] and is a member of the University Honors Program and Phi Kappa Phi and Gamma Beta Phi honor societies, among others. In addition to class work, Seitz said the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research in the animal and dairy sciences department has caused him to focus on equine health.
With departmental researcher Peter L. Ryan, he has investigated the physiological effects of toxins on pregnant mares. "The goal of Dr. Ryan's research is to lay the groundwork for earlier detection and treatment of mare reproductive loss syndrome, which is an enormous threat to the nation's equine industry," he explained.
A veterinary medicine degree will not be the end of Seitz's education. He also is making plans to attend graduate school after veterinary college and, ultimately, return either to equine research or explore opportunities in aquatic areas--specifically dolphins and sea lions.
"I'm really excited about research opportunities not only for the benefits to animals but for the benefits to humans as well," he said.
Seitz also is excited about another achievement this week. At about the same time the Goldwater awards were announced, he was successfully earning a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, a sport he says he enjoys because of the mental, physical and spiritual disciplines.
As all who know him would agree, the demanding discipline of martial arts clearly carry over into Marc Seitz's academic and personal pursuits.