Luke J. Grauke, Goldwater Scholarship Winner

Grauke, who majored in microbiology with a minor in classical studies, is the son of Dr. John and Donna Grauke of Moscow. He is studying for a medical degree (University of Washington) and shall pursue a research career in pathogenic microbiology in hopes to some day lead industrial efforts to eradicate human pathogens from the environment.

In addition to studies in his academic major and minor, Grauke was awarded the University Honors Program Certificate upon graduation. He served as Vice-Chair of the Honors Student Advisory Board, was senior editor of its periodical, "The Looking Glass," is past-president of Phi Eta Sigma freshman honor society and recipient of its national scholarship Founders Fund Scholarship. He has several publications from his research on E. coli, and earned other honors and awards in his undergraduate career.

Grauke's studies also included a semester on exchange at England's University of Bristol, which is known for its strong program in health sciences. While at UI, he has worked in the lab of researchers Carolyn Bohach and Scott Minnich, on bacterial pathogens E. coli O157:H7 and a close relative
of the bubonic plague. Grauke said he was honored to be accepted into the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho regional medical education program to continue his studies. "I like the Pacific Northwest, and I'm partial to our program," he said.

Learn Luke's perspective on his participation in the UHP at the UHP Alumni and Students' Perspectives site.