For Corinth, Mississippi, native Ethan Lambert, his four years at the University of Mississippi were packed with more learning and growth than he thought possible.
Lambert, a chemistry major with an emphasis in chemical physics and minor in mathematics said, “In the past few years, I felt that I have aged and learned more than some do in a span of ten.”
Growing up in a family of Ole Miss fans, coming to the university felt like it was the right decision for Lambert, who is a recipient of the Davenport Ole Miss First Scholarship.
“Ole Miss First has served as an incredible resource throughout my time here at Ole Miss,” Lambert said. “Both Mrs. Rosie and the graduate students have helped me learn things about the world around me and myself. I have enjoyed my time with them very much.”
“Ethan had an idea of what he wanted to do as a freshman,” said Rosie McDavid, Ole Miss First program director. “It was an honor to watch him learn so much about himself and see his brilliance, tenacity and hard work as he exceled in his field.”
Among Lambert’s academic accolades, which include several chemistry awards, are being named a 2022 Barry M. Goldwater Scholar, the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering; being awarded a 2023 Taylor Medal, the university’s highest academic award; and being inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honors society.
“As someone who has always prided himself on his work ethic, winning awards and scholarships is an incredible feeling,” said Lambert. “Having your hard work recognized is always remarkable, but I would be nowhere near where I am today without the incredible people around me.”
A recipient of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, Lambert will attend Florida State University in the fall to purse a Ph.D. in chemistry, where he will study photochemical and photophysical processes in materials for solar energy conversion.
He has also been awarded FSU’s distinguished Legacy Fellowship.
“It’s a premier fellowship,” said McDavid of the honor. “I’m thrilled for Ethan on all his accomplishments. His grit, effort and commitment have been amazing to witness.”
The Ole Miss First program provides valuable mentoring and leadership development to its scholarship recipients. Freshmen are selected for the scholarships based on outstanding high school records of academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to service.
For more information on the Ole Miss First Scholarship program, visit https://omf.olemiss.edu. For information on supporting an Ole Miss First Scholarship, contact Catherine Adkins, development associate for university initiatives and special projects, at ceadkins@olemiss.edu or 662-915-2384.
By Sara Mahmound and Mary Knight