EVAN CARAVELLI/Arizona Daily Wildcat Bijiiba Garrison, a pre-health education junior, has won the prestigious Udall scholarship two years in a row. The $5,000 scholarship recognizes students who have advanced in the areas of science research and American Indian public policy.

Four UA students have won nationally competitive scholarships for their excellence in the areas of science research and American Indian public policy.

UA students Marlene Benally and Bijiibaa Garrison were named 2004 Morris K. Udall Scholars, while Brianna Muhlenkamp and Justin Steinfadt were awarded the 2004 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship.

Karna Walter, assistant director of international studies and scholarships, said although the annual number of UA recipients varies, it is not unusual for the UA to have multiple winners.

"We have a pretty good track record in these scholarship competitions," said Walter. "But it's always great to have students win them every year."

Garrison and Benally are among 80 undergraduates across the country to win the $5,000 Udall Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to students who represent Congressman Morris K. Udall's legacy of public service in either environmental or tribal public policy and health care.

Garrison, a pre-health education junior, won the scholarship last year, but said she was surprised to be named a recipient again.

"The scholarship is very competitive and the UA alone nominated eight students; I knew what I was up against," she said.

Garrison, who wants to pursue doctor of medicine and master of public health degrees, said she will use her education to help get American Indians equal and adequate access to health care.

"I am from the Navajo Reservation, and I grew up in communities where there are so many different health problems," said Garrison. "Not just physical, but also the administration of health care."

Garrison, the 2003-2004 Miss Native American UA, said involvement in Alpha Pi Omega, an American Indian sorority, Fostering and Achieving Cultural Equity and Sensitivity in Health Professions, and Indians into Medicine exposed her to different areas of life. The activities have also made her more culturally sensitive, she said.

Benally, a political science junior and single mother of three children, plans to pursue a graduate degree in law and American Indian Studies to work in tribal policy and government.

A member of the national political science honorary and the Minority Pre-Law Association, Benally said a strong knowledge of American Indian and Western policies, history and law are essential for the preservation of traditional cultures as well as tribal economic and social progression.

"I have witnessed many unethical administrative practices at the local, state and federal governmental levels," said Benally, who was raised on the Navajo Reservation.

Muhlenkamp and Steinfadt, Goldwater Scholars, are among 310 undergraduates chosen from an applicant pool of 1,113 mathematics, science and engineering students. The Goldwater scholarship, which covers up to $7,500 in tuition, fees, books and housing, is awarded to students who demonstrate experience in their future fields, primarily through research.

Muhlenkamp, a geologic engineering and geosciences sophomore, has already worked in the UA's Geostructure Group and Seismology Lab, as well as in the Marine Geology Geophysics Department at Lamon Doherty Earth Observatory.

She is also vice president of Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honorary.

"I'm very interested in earthquakes," Muhlenkamp said. "The research I've done isn't related to earthquakes, but I learned (of) different tools and procedures that will help later."

Steinfadt, an astronomy junior who researches star evolution, said he enjoys trying to solve questions people don't understand about the universe.

Steinfadt participated in the Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the Maria Mitchell Observatory, along with working in UA astronomy labs since freshman year. Organization is the key to balancing academics and research, he said.

"I have a calendar on my computer and I make it remind me when stuff is due," he said. "Otherwise, I wouldn't remember."

Steinfadt advised students in research to schedule free time, or else they will "go nuts."

Steinfadt also has an interest in teaching, and worked for the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant program in math.

In the future, Steinfadt hopes to continue astronomy research at an academic institute where he can also be a professor.

All four students said they were happy to win the scholarships and will use the money to enhance their education.

"It will provide graduate schools with a good indication of my research experiences," Muhlenkamp said. "Beyond just what a resumŽ could show."