UA Chemical Engineering Student Earns Goldwater Scholarship

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Randall Research Scholar and University of Alabama Honors College student Jules Bates has been selected as a Goldwater Scholar by The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program.

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Bates is a native of Pace, Florida and is studying chemical engineering. She represents the 60th UA student to receive the prestigious scholarship.

In its official announcement, UA said: "Bates has worked under Dr. Y. John Kim, departmental undergraduate program director and associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, elucidating the best modes of neural stem cell therapy for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy."

Bates expressed hope that these new strategies will not only help those with neurological disorders who can’t be treated through conventional routes, but also provide a broad societal impact for those who suffer from other refractory neurodegenerative diseases.

“I first became interested in research through a two-year biotechnology program at Pace High School where I learned how living organisms can be used to manufacture products for health care,” she said. “This window into research and the medical field inspired me to apply for UA’s Randall Research Scholars Program, which provided beneficial experience in biomedical research and exposed me to the diverse research interests of students in the program.”

UA also said Bates is a clarinetist in the UA Symphonic Band and a volunteer at the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida. She is daughter of Jim and Mindy Bates.

Bates said she plans to pursue a doctorate in biomedical engineering and research biomechanics, biomaterials and neural engineering with the goal of serving industries developing biomedical solutions for human needs.

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