IU student named Churchill Scholar

March 22, 2001

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Indiana University senior James Brink of Sylvania, Ohio, has been awarded a Churchill Scholarship by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States.

Brink, who is scheduled to graduate from IU in May with a bachelor's degree with honors in mathematics, computer science and cognitive science, will spend the 2001-02 academic year studying mathematics in Churchill College at Cambridge University in England.

Brink said his specific research interests lie in exploring the relationships between computation and physics, and applying mathematical methods to understanding and solving problems in computer science. He expects that his work in the program for the certificate of advanced study in mathematics at Cambridge will provide him an indispensable tool for use in his future research. After completing his studies in England, Brink plans to pursue a Ph.D. degree, researching the interactions between mathematics, the theory of computation and physics.

"It's the opportunity of a lifetime," Brink said. "I'm thrilled to have the chance to live in England and study at one of the world's most respected academic institutions. I can't express my gratitude enough to all my friends, family and professors who have helped make this possible."

Brink's honors at IU include being named an IU Dean's Scholar, induction into the Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi academic honoraries, and receiving the 2000 Sigma Xi Outstanding Research Award as well as other scholarships, awards and honorary memberships.

"The mentors of James Brink speak of his extraordinary potential in research. He will also be a fine ambassador as a Churchill Scholar," IU President Myles Brand wrote in Brink's nomination letter to the Churchill Foundation.

Brink spent the summer of 1999 studying the inference of quantum computational physics with University of New Mexico professor Cris Moore in the Santa Fe Institute Research Experience for Undergraduates Program. Currently Brink is working with Moore on writing a paper for submission to a scientific journal.

"James Brink is the most intelligent undergraduate I have ever worked with," Moore said.

The Churchill Scholarship Program was established to enable outstanding American students to do graduate work in engineering, mathematics and the physical sciences and natural sciences at Churchill College, Cambridge University. The Churchill Scholarship provides tuition, fees and a living allowance.

(Kevin A. Gray, 812-856-5682, keagray@indiana.edu)