Rutgers Biomedical Engineering Student and Athlete Wins Prestigious Churchill Scholarship

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – A Rutgers University biomedical engineering student and athlete has been awarded a prestigious Churchill Scholarship for graduate study at England’s University of Cambridge.

Simon Gordonov, a Rutgers senior and East Windsor resident, will use the scholarship to pursue a Master of Philosophy

Gordonov brings a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average into his final semester at Rutgers. He has been a cross-country and track-and-field athlete since enrolling at Rutgers, receiving the cross-country team’s award for most outstanding freshman.

Last year, Gordonov won a Barry M. Goldwater scholarship, awarded to college sophomores and juniors from the United States who show exceptional talent in science, mathematics or engineering. He was one of 278 students in 2009 to earn the scholarship named after the late Arizona senator and considered one of the country’s most significant awards for undergraduates in scientific fields.

”It’s very exciting to be able to study abroad, where I will be exposed to different cultures and ways of thinking,” Gordonov said. “Cambridge is a renowned leader in education. My research and study there will prepare me to pursue an MD/PhD program when I return.”

Gordonov is one of 14 students chosen this year to receive a scholarship from the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States. The awards fund graduate study by American students in the sciences, engineering and mathematics. Valued at up to $50,000, they cover all expenses for a nine-month or one-year program leading to a Master of Philosophy or Master of Advanced Study.

Churchill Scholarships were first awarded in 1963, after former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill asked American friends to establish funding for young Americans to study at the university’s newly established Churchill College. One of 31 colleges at Cambridge, Churchill College serves an international community of students studying sciences and the humanities.

“Simon represents the best of what Rutgers seeks to develop in its students,” said Richard L. McCormick, president of Rutgers University. “He is an outstanding student, researcher, athlete and citizen and is motivated to pursue opportunities on a global scale. I applaud the Churchill selection committee for recognizing his drive and dedication and am confident he’ll be an ambassador for Rutgers at Cambridge and beyond.”

In addition to his perfect grade point average and strong athletic performance, Gordonov has been a co-author on three academic journal articles. He started a campuswide undergraduate research society to help undergraduate students find and pursue research opportunities. He also mentors high school students.

Gordonov was born in Russia and resided in Israel before he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1997. His family lived in Vicksburg, Miss., before they settled in New Jersey. He graduated from Hightstown High School in 2006. By pursuing engineering, he follows in the footsteps of his father, Boris, a chemical engineer, who passed away shortly after Gordonov entered Rutgers. Gordonov’s sister, Tanya, graduated from Rutgers in 2009.

With this award, Gordonov becomes Rutgers’ second Churchill Scholar. The first scholar, John Maffei, received his award in 1967.

Gordonov’s award comes two years after four Rutgers students earned Gates Scholarships for graduate study at Cambridge. “These awards are evidence of the preparation Rutgers offers its students,” said Arthur D. Casciato, director of the Office of Distinguished Fellowships. “They are also one of many opportunities that our students have to broaden their horizons and extend their global reach in education and research.”