New Hyde Park Resident Named 2013 Goldwater Scholar

Stony Brook University student Peter Giattini from New Hyde Park has been named a Goldwater Scholar, one of the most prestigious honors given nationally to college undergraduate students. Presented by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship in Education Foundation for the 2013-2014 academic year, the award will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year for up to two years. Giattini is the 32nd Stony Brook University student to be named a Goldwater Scholar since 1992.

Giattini, 21, a junior chemistry and mathematics major, is a member of the Nancy Goroff Research Group in the Department of Chemistry whose research focuses on organic synthesis with a goal of creating organic solar cells that can better absorb and capture the energy of the sun. He is a member of the University Scholars Program (Class of 2014) and serves as an undergraduate teaching assistant for organic chemistry. He is the recipient of the Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (URECA) Summer Research Award (2012) and the Sei Sujishi Prize from the Department of Chemistry (2011).

“The things I love about math and chemistry actually kind of come together,” said Giattini. “In chemistry, we do synthesis, which is how can I rationally plan out the design of a molecule. In math we do things like proof, which is how can I rationally defend a statement,” he said. “In both senses we take simple building blocks and apply rules of logic and bring them together. In math it’s rigorous – I build a solid pyramid of logic; in chemistry it can be messy, because sometimes things don’t work out the way you expect them to.”

Next year Giattini plans to continue his research in Dr. Goroff’s lab and work as a teaching assistant before attending graduate school. He would like to pursue a career in academia as a university professor which would allow him to continue conducting research and working with students.

“Peter is a remarkable student, and a pleasure to have in the lab,” said Nancy Goroff, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry. “I look forward to watching what he accomplishes in the future.”

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