Recipient of a Goldwater Scholarship, the AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) Outstanding Sophomore Award and currently number one in her class at the College of Engineering, Meghan Bellows definitely makes an impression on those around her.

Meghan chose to study engineering because in high school she was very good in math and science.  What appealed to her about engineering was the fact that it includes the sciences and math that Meghan does so well at, but also has an applied aspect. She also was attracted to the many career opportunities engineering offers.

Since the summer after her freshmen year in 2002, Meghan has been working in the chemical engineering department at URI.  She began on a research study on flame retardants with Dr. Stanley Barnett that year.  In 2003, she switched to work with Dr. Angelo Lucia, and since then has been performing research on hydrogen fuel cells.  In April 2004, Meghan presented her research at the AIChE convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Also this year, Meghan received the Goldwater Scholarship, established in memory of Senator Barry M. Goldwater.  The scholarships, worth up to $7,500, are bestowed each year on 300 to 400 science and engineering sophomores and juniors throughout the United States who wish to pursue a career in research. 

Meghan is one of only two students in Rhode Island to have received the scholarship. She was awarded the scholarship for her work on two research projects at URI as well as her academic record (she has a 3.98 grade point average).  “This scholarship was a big thing for me.  It is the most prestigious undergrad engineering/science scholarship that one can obtain,” said Meghan.  “This scholarship showed me how I compare to other students in the nation and gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities.”

     Meghan is enrolled in the International Engineering Program (IEP), working toward dual degrees in German and chemical engineering.  Next year, she will study in Germany at the Technical University of Braunschweig for one semester.  “I have found the IEP extremely rewarding.  I love learning German and I am so excited to go abroad next year,” said Meghan.

While she is eagerly looking forward to studying abroad in Germany through the IEP, Meghan also loves being at URI.  A native of Pawtucket, R.I., only 35 miles away from Kingston, she has been able to stay in contact with her close-knit family.  Being a recipient of a Centennial scholarship (awarded to students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement), in addition to other outside scholarships, has also made her experience at URI enjoyable by relieving her of financial burden.  Equally important, the size of URI is very appealing to Meghan.  “It’s not too big that I feel overwhelmed, yet I am always meeting new people,” she noted.

After her semester at the Technical University, Meghan will take part in a six-month internship at BASF in Ludwigshafen, Germany, a global chemical company with business ventures in North America, South America, Africa, Asia/Asia Pacific.

Once she finishes studying abroad, Meghan will have one year left at URI.  After URI, she intends to apply to graduate school.  Meghan hopes to enroll in the doctoral program at Princeton University.  After obtaining her Ph.D., Meghan would like to return to the University to conduct research and teach. 

When she is not working or studying, Meghan does Tae Kwon Do and serves as a member of the URI Marching and Pep Bands, playing the flute, piccolo, and trumpet.