Shaler grad, Pitt student earns Goldwater Scholarship
Mike Nites joins an elite group of undergraduate students recognized nationally in The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program.
University of Pittsburgh student Nites, a Shaler Area graduate, is one 272 sophomore and junior university students across the country this year to be named Goldwater Scholars for their academic achievements and pursuits in science, mathematics and engineering.
“It's probably one of the most important national scholarships an undergrad can win,” said Judy Zang, University of Pittsburgh's director of national scholarships.
“Every school, college or university, can only nominate four students, so the level of competition begins at the university level. … Then, it makes the applicant pool, 1,107, intensely competitive because it's the best four of every school.”
Nites started the application process last summer and spent months revising his application, which included letters of recommendation, essays and a research proposal. He said he was honored when he was chosen by Pitt's committee to compete on the national level and almost couldn't believe it when he saw his name listed among the national winners of the Goldwater Scholarship.
“I was extremely excited and a little bit surprised,” Nites said.
Nites will receive a maximum of $7,500 in scholarship money to cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board for up to two years.
Nites is a triple major studying industrial engineering through Swanson School of Engineering and applied mathematics and economics through The Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences.
Over the past three years, Nites has conducted research and a series of consulting projects for UPMC hospitals under the supervision of university professors and staff to increase efficiency to the UPMC Presbyterian Pharmacy operations and delivery, UPMC Presbyterian Lab Services processing and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center supply carts. Nites also worked on projects to improve scheduling at UPMC Presbyterian to promote worker satisfaction and the floor plan and layout of UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center.
Nites conducted research in Brazil last summer through the Swanson School's Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation to explore the ability to construct temporary bamboo shelters at the sites of natural disasters.
“My research last summer confirmed my interest in a career in research,” Nites said. “It was always something on my radar, and I grew into it more coming to the university.”
This summer, Nites will work with UPMC Presbyterian Pharmacy staff to implement some of the recommendations to improve pharmacy efficiency.
“You can lead a career in research, but it's very broad, so it's finding my exact interests,” Nites said of his research work.
Nites' family, including two brothers; his father, John, an electrical engineer in the Army Corps of Engineers in Pittsburgh; and his mother, Lisa, a paraprofessional at Marzolf Primary School, recognize the Goldwater Scholarship as just one more step for Nites to pursue his dreams.
“I am obviously proud and excited for him,” Lisa Nites said. “I know it's a prestigious award to receive and will help him toward his future goals.”
Those who work with Nites describe him as “engaged” and “committed.” Nites has maintained a 3.9 grade-point average while participating in several clubs and organizations on campus, including currently serving on the eight-person elected Student Government Board, and maintaining a school-work-life balance.
“I do have time to socialize,” he said with a laugh. “It's all about time management.”
Bethany Hofstetter is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-772-6364 or bhofstetter@tribweb.com.
