Britta Nordberg '09 has been awarded a Goldwater Scholarship for up to $7,500 toward tuition and other expenses during the 2008-09 academic year.

Nordberg, a third-year biology major from Madison, Wisc., plans a career as a veterinarian in wild animal medicine.

"I plan to become a conservation biologist, focusing my research on large cats in tropical ecosystems," Nordberg said. "After graduating from Grinnell, I plan to earn a dual degree (D.V.M. and Ph.D.) that will provide me with the research background to understand the effects of environmental stress on these large animals."

As a Grinnell student, Nordberg has served as a student advisor; elementary school volunteer; active member of Free the Planet environmental club; and Javanese Gamelan musician.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program was established by Congress to encourage excellence in science and mathematics for American undergraduate students with excellent academic records and outstanding potential.

Nordberg is the 20th Grinnell student to receive a Goldwater Scholarship and one of 321 students across the country to receive the award this year. Joshua Weber '09 and Katherine Lee '09 were named honorable mention in this year's Goldwater competition. Weber is a physics and French double major from Rochelle, Ill., and Lee is a biology major from Westtown, Penn.