Two Kansas University juniors, both chemical engineering and KU Honors Program students, have won prestigious national Barry M. Goldwater scholarships, KU announced Tuesday.

Annie Lynn, Overland Park, and Kevin Tenny, Leawood, are the 59th and 60th KU students to earn Goldwater scholarships since Congress established the program — aimed at ensuring a continuing source of scientists, mathematicians and engineers — in 1986, according to KU. The scholarship provides up to $7,500 annually to cover undergraduate tuition, fees, room and board and books.

Annie Lynn

Kevin Tenny

Lynn has studied proteins that make up viruses and is working with other researchers in hopes of eventually finding a vaccine for the hepatitis C virus, according to KU. Her goal is to obtain a doctorate in biomedical engineering and said the scholarship will allow her additional free time to further pursue her research.

Tenny is pursuing studies and research in electrochemical engineering, specifically creating more efficient electricity systems, according to KU. He said such work will help in the energy crisis of the future and that fuel cells and batteries will be very important to help navigate those issues.