It was enough that Doug Jackson was selected from all the students at UGA to compete for a $25,000 scholarship from the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation, but then he won the top prize, becoming UGA’s first Hoover Scholar. The scholarship is awarded to one individual every year nationwide who demonstrates ability and leadership in a scientific field that helps law enforcement officials in their criminal investigations. Jackson will use the award to support his graduate studies in analytical chemistry. Jackson also received a 2006-2007 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the country for undergraduates in mathematics, science and engineering. As an undergraduate, he has also published three papers in international chemistry journals as first author. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation and develop technologies applicable to the national defense.
Hometown:
Round Oak, Georgia
High School:
Jones County High School
Degree objective:
B.S. in chemistry and a M.S. in physical chemistry
Expected graduation:
May 2007
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
In 2004, I was named to Who’s Who Among College and University Students, and I am a member of the Dean Tate Honor Society. I received a CURO Summer Research Fellowship in 2004 and a mid-term Foundation Fellowship in 2005. I also received the 2005 UGA “Buck” Rogers Award for the most outstanding undergraduate research in chemistry at UGA and the 2006 Alfred Scott Award for the most outstanding rising UGA senior chemistry major. Additionally, I presented oral talks at the 2006 NASA Laboratory Astrophysics Workshop and the 2006 American Chemical Society National Meeting.
Current Employment:
I am currently a research assistant in the chemistry department for Nigel Adams. I work with graduate students performing experiments of relevance to NASA in which we model chemical reactions occurring in outer space.
I chose to attend UGA because…
…I was given the Charter Scholarship in March of my senior year of high school. I was going to Mercer University in Macon on an academic scholarship, but the Charter combined with HOPE scholarship made UGA the financial favorite. Plus, I had heard so many great things about the Honors Program. In all honesty though, the real reason I came was Mr. Floyd’s Food Services! All you can eat till midnight?! As a lazy freshman, I was all over that!
My favorite things to do on campus are…
…attend the athletic events. I have been a regular at football, basketball (men’s and women’s), gymnastics, baseball, softball, etc. And, when its cool, or if it snows, I love walking on North Campus.
When I have free time, I like…
…getting buff in the Ramsey Center. I enjoy working out, running, and playing recreational sports.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
…tried to steal my grandfather’s ATV from his house in the middle of the night. My cousins and I had a “stealthy” plan to take it in the dark from his porch without waking him. Needless to say we nearly got shot. We heard footsteps and what does anyone do when the plan is busted? Run! But, the problem was the driver of the getaway car had locked the door so our plan was a complete and total disaster. We were, of course, reprimanded severely and lucky to be unhurt after waking a grumpy old man with a shotgun at 1 a.m.!
My favorite professor is…
…Nigel Adams, my research advisor. He has been patient with my mistakes and very helpful in allowing me to develop my abilities. He has believed in me since my very first semester at UGA though he had no reason to trust the clueless freshman who randomly showed up in his office wanting a research position. Without his patience and encouragement, I would never have been featured as an Amazing Student.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…Winston Churchill. He was a man of much character who stepped up as prime minister of Great Britain in the escalation of WWII. His insights into human nature and leadership—and of course those pithy sayings—would make him a delight to have over for tea.
After graduation, I plan to…
…attend UNC-Chapel Hill to pursue a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry. I will work to develop technologies applicable to national defense.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
…the day my fiancee, Renee, said “yes”…and when the Bulldogs won the 2005 SEC championship football game!
