Michael Armbrust is the 2005 Bruce Helfert Award winner. The Bruce Helfert Award is a university award presented to one junior in the School of Science or the Schools of Engineering who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and an understanding of the impact of science and technology on humanity. The $1,000 award is made possible through a gift from Sylvia Helfert, in memory of her son, Bruce Helfert, a 1964 Purdue graduate. The Bruce Helfert Award competition was flooded with talented nominees this year, however, Michael's hard work and dedication to science took him straight to the top.

Michael is a junior in Honors Computer Science and Honors Mathematics, with minors in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Economics. Michael's enthusiasm for science is contagious and his academic leadership is unmatched. His natural leadership abilities shine with his involvement in EPICS, Science Student Council, and his position as Co-chairman of the Computer Science Undergraduate Student Board. As the elected WebMaster for the Science Student Council he introduced new technology to make operations of the web site more efficient, and as an EPICS student he was a team leader in implementing the wireless networking system at the West Lafayette Public Library.

Michael also works hard to provide help and assistance to others. He is involved in campus programs such as College Mentors for Kids, Boiler Gold Rush, Phi Sigma Pi, and Science Ambassadors. His genuine concern for furthering technological and scientific understanding in society has caused him to become a crusader in improving math skills in elementary schools. To help battle low ISTEP Math scores in Tippecanoe County Michael created a volunteer math tutoring program for students in a low socio-economic school in Lafayette.

Way to go, Michael, and keep up the great work!