Fulbright Scholar to conduct technology research in Estonia

Read about Wheaton's other recent scholarship winners here

NORTON, Mass.--John Heywood '05 of Oakland, Calif., an independent major in science, technology and society, will conduct research in Estonia next year as the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship.

Heywood looks to Estonia as a potential model for other countries considering the adoption of wireless Internet, particularly in terms of the way wireless communications can transcend traditional obstacles to building community.

"Clearly, embracing wireless Internet has done wonders for Estonia's economy, but there is also a fascinating dynamic between new technology and countries with more traditional lifestyles," Heywood said. "I believe that Estonia can serve as a model for the rest of the world, not only in illustrating the economic successes that they have had with wireless technology, but in showing the effects that this technology can have on a nation."

Heywood has had a longtime interest in technology. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, not far from Silicon Valley, where he and his mother, Carolyn, together learned about computer and networking technology. While his mother eventually worked in technology within his school district, the younger Heywood helped her wire schools all around Oakland. Soon he hopes to help his mother "unwire" them as wireless technology grows.

At Wheaton Heywood is active in many areas, including the President's Coordinating Council, the College Hearing Board and as a saxophone player in the Jazz band and Speakeasy, a student-run funk band. He is a Community scholar and a Dean's List student and has served as a panelist or adviser for the Office of Admission and the Center for Global Education. After he returns from Estonia in a year, Heywood plans to pursue a master's degree and doctorate in science, technology and society.

Seven other Wheaton students have won major scholarships so far this year. Senior Carolyn Wills of Salt Lake City earned a Rhodes Scholarship; seniors Liza Semler of Middlesex, Vt., and Tyler Matteson of Epsom, N.H., won Watson Fellowships; juniors Alex Dewar of Portland, Ore., and Myles Matteson of Epsom, N.H., won Truman Scholarships; and seniors Karin Seeber of Groton, Mass., and Henry Gerlitis of Franklin, Mass., won Fulbright Scholarships. Two alumnae/i, Cathy Brown '97 and Fred Marcks '02 won Rotary scholarships this year, and alumna Joy Williams '03 won a Fulbright to Colombia.