Patrick Donnan, junior in physics and music, was recently awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship to help fund a year of his undergraduate studies at Auburn University.
Along with three other students, Donnan was nominated by the University as a candidate for the Goldwater Scholarship, which only 300 sophomores and juniors receive nationwide each year.
"It's considered one of the most prestigious undergraduate awards in science, technology, engineering and math or stem field. So the money's nice, but the big thing about it is the name recognition," Donnan said.
Donnan, who plans to earn his Doctorate in Atomic Physics after he finishes his degree next December, is the president of the Society of Physics Students and is involved with the Music Teachers National Association, in addition to playing the bassoon in the Auburn Community Orchestra, the Bassoon Ensemble, the Woodwind Quartet and the Auburn University Symphonic Band.
"Perhaps the greatest compliment I could give Patrick is that if I had to write up a resume for the ideal undergraduate student, Patrick's resume is what I would use as my template," said Matt Gill, senior in physics and electrical engineering and member of the Society of Physics students. "There is no one here more deserving of that award."
Donnan, a member of the University Honors College, also works as an undergraduate research assistant for Dr. Francis Robicheaux, a professor in Theoretical Atomic Physics at Auburn.
"He is an excellent student. He did very well in the two classes he took from me, Robicheaux said. "Also, he has done very well on his research projects, completing several over the past three years. For all of these projects, the results were published in refereed journals, which is certainly not common for undergrads."
Donnan has co-authored four papers, which were published in top peer-reviewed journals, one being "Resonant quantum transitions in trapped antihydrogen atoms," published in Nature, a top science journal
"I originally wanted to be a chemist, but I took AP chemistry in high school and that went out the window," Donnan said jokingly. "I enjoyed it, but I knew it wasn't for me so I started looking in to physics. It's the right blend of math and things that are actually going on."
In addition to physics, Donnan also has a passion for music. Although he has played the bassoon for eight years, Donnan said he tried several instruments before settling on that instrument, which to him is the most fun instrument to play.
"I wanted to keep playing my instrument and developing my ability, so majoring in it was not only a great way to do that, but a great way to learn more about music itself," Donnan said.
With plans of eventually be a physics professor, Donnan also hopes to own a small, private music studio where he can teach elementary to high school bassoon players.
"I can't say that I've ever met anyone more driven to accomplish their goals. Patrick formulates a plan, and he follows through. The Goldwater application process involves thousands of exceptional students, and Patrick showed out as one of the top ones. It's a testament to his work ethic," Gill said.
Donnan said learning to prioritize has been a crucial factor in managing his busy schedule and accomplishing his goals while at Auburn.
"Looking forward, this award means that graduate-school applications are going to be easier, but it's really a great honor to be able to look back at the work I've done and see it recognized by this award. It's very humbling and reaffirms all the work vie been doing," Donnan said. "It's very exciting for me, because I applied last year and didn't get it."
Next year, Donnan plans to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, a scholarship that funds post-graduate degrees at Cambridge University and the Marshals Scholarship, a scholarship given to American students to pursue Graduate degrees at any university in the United Kingdom.
"Everyone has been really supportive, which is one of the great things about Auburn," Donnan said.
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