Alex Oshmyansky, who graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in May 2003 with a 3.9 grade-point-average after only one year of study, has won a prestigious Marshall Scholarship from the British government.
An official announcement of all the 2005 scholarship winners is expected this week. Oshmyansky, CU-Boulder's sixth Marshall Scholar, is now in his second year of medical school at Duke University and plans to use the scholarship to pursue a doctoral degree in mathematical biology from Oxford University. He recently celebrated his 20th birthday.
"In addition to making lifelong friends and having a great time in general, my time at CU-Boulder was filled with a great many opportunities," Oshmyansky said.
Born in Denver and a graduate of Dakota Ridge High School in Littleton, Colo., Oshmyansky began his college career with 86 advanced placement and college credits earned while in high school.
A Boettcher and President's Leadership Class scholar, he was a member of CU-Boulder's Undergraduate Academy for motivated students. In the fall and spring semesters of 2002-03, he completed 46 credit hours at CU-Boulder and graduated.
Oshmyansky is a gifted mathematical modeler and said he is interested in neuroscience because so much in the field remains unknown. It's also the discipline in which he feels he can have the greatest impact.
"I am interested in the mathematical modeling of the brain's pathways," he said. "These models could lead to applications such as determining the sources of epileptic seizures, creating prosthetic devices that directly interact with the central nervous system, and even in metaphysical problems such as resolving the nature of consciousness. I hope to implement my research clinically in neurosurgery."
"In terms of sheer intellectual horsepower, Alex Oshmyansky is probably the brightest student I have ever known," said CU-Boulder honors program Professor Ron Billingsley. "But what is so absolutely wonderful about him is that his intelligence is incredibly versatile and that it is directed by a deeply humanistic values system."
Oshmyansky began his research career at CU-Boulder with biology Professor Leslie Leinwand. He continued his work at Duke with a focus on medical imaging and has conducted research in the structural biology laboratory at the National Institutes of Health.
"CU-Boulder offers its undergraduates outstanding opportunities to become involved with research," Oshmyansky said. "I was able to get into a lab even before classes started. Also, programs like the President's Leadership Class offered me and my classmates a direct route to become involved with the community."
"I am extremely pleased that Alex Oshmyansky has received a Marshall Scholarship," said CU-Boulder Provost and Vice Chancellor Phil DiStefano. "His academic credentials are outstanding and his accomplishments are truly exemplary. The administration is very proud of this graduate."
Like the Rhodes Scholarship program, the Marshall Scholarship program recognizes students who have the potential to be leaders in their fields. Selection criteria include a high level of academic achievement and demonstrated leadership and community service.
The program was established by the British government as a measure of thanks to the American people for the work of George Marshall, architect of the Marshall Plan to aid European nations. In the 1940s and '50s, Marshall served in several high ranking American military and political posts and helped devise the Allies' successful strategy in World War II. He won the 1953 Nobel Peace Prize while serving as president of the Red Cross.
The scholarship is awarded to approximately 40 students nationwide each year and covers two to three years of study at any university in the United Kingdom. It is a highly competitive award, drawing approximately 1,000 applicants.
Applicants must be endorsed by their undergraduate college. Oshmyansky worked on his application through CU-Boulder beginning in March 2004 while already attending medical school.
For more information about Marshall Scholarships, visit .