Each year, the Physics Department awards a $6,250 scholarship to four of our majors: typically a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. This is a merit-based scholarship rather than a need-based scholarship. Majors are given the opportunity to apply for it each year, and the selection is made by the department. It was established in order to help and encourage students who are majoring in physics and intend to go on within the field of physics.
To apply for this scholarship, please compose a 1-2 page essay that addresses the following questions:
1. Why have you decided (or planned) to major in physics?
2. What extracurricular or service activities have you been involved in that relate to physics or technology (clubs, competitions, etc.)?
3. Describe any physics research or internship experiences you have had.
4. What are your anticipated career plans after you graduate from Wheaton?
Scholarship applications for 2026 are now closed.
Physics Merit Scholarship Recipients
- 2024-2025 - Chris English, Logan Grove, Julia Nordstrom, Maia Peterson, Nathaniel Tarullo,
- 2023-2024 - Daniel Humphrey, Julia Nordstrom, Maia Peterson, Abigail Strack, Emma VanderKooi
- 2022-2023 - Logan Grove, Daniel Humphrey, Curtis McLennan
- 2021-2022 - Ruby Burgess, Logan Grove, Daniel Humphrey, Curtis McLennan, Genevieve Nelson
- 2020-2021 - Rachel Barron, Nathaniel Bowden, Stephen McKay, Genevieve Nelson, Tamara Watson
- 2019-2020 - Ahnika Boring, Stephen McKay, Michael Vieceli, Tamara Watson
- 2018-2019 - Rachel Barron, Genevieve Nelson, Austin Richardson, Elizabeth Tan
- 2017-2018 - Sierra Barone, Courtney Baer, April Futch, Jennifer Ruda
- 2016-2017 - April Futch, Jennifer Ruda, Elizabeth Tan, Nicholas Varberg
- 2015-2016 - April Futch, Matt Robertson, Jennifer Ruda, Brayden Schott
- 2014-2015 - Alex Armstrong, Madeline Baltzer, David Broaddus, Caleb Cochrum
- 2013-2014 - Matthew McMillan, Michael Morken, Emily Willson, Claire Carlson
- 2012-2013 - David Martin, Cole Adams, Peyton Finley, Mindy Cartolano
- 2011-2012 - Emily English, Mindy Cartolano, Matthew McMillan, Patrick Farley
- 2010-2011 - David Blasing, Joel Carini, Mindy Cartolano, Ben Sawyer
- 2009-2010 - Mindy Cartolano, Emily English, Andrew Keeler, David Stapleton
- 2008-2009 - Emily English, Elliot Nelson, David Stapleton, Jim Schroeder
- 2007-2008 - Dylan Coster, Benjamin Kietzman, Ellen Kunzeman, Elliot Nelson
- 2006-2007 - Andrew Golter, Ryan Stegink
- 2005-2006 - David Felker, Martin Gonzalez
- 2004-2005 - Ryan Beams, Melissa Brown
- 2003-2004 - Geoffrey Poore, Benjamin Noonan
- 2002-2003 - Jonathan Osgood, Geoffrey Poore
- 2001-2002 - Coral Christensen
- 2000-2001 - Nathaniel Wentzel
- 1999-2000 - Randall Miles