News Release

A Johns Hopkins University senior from Hamilton, N.J., who is completing a rigorous dual degree program in engineering and music, was honored recently in USA Today's 2006 All-USA College Academic Team competition.

Christopher Kovalchick, 21, received an honorable mention in the newspaper's 17th annual undergraduate recognition program. The newspaper said its judges reviewed more than 600 nominees.

Kovalchick is a 2002 graduate of Steinert High School in Hamilton Township. At Johns Hopkins, he is completing a double major: engineering mechanics in the Whiting School of Engineering and violin performance at the Peabody Conservatory. He also is finding time for a math minor in the university's Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.

Kovalchick has received glowing recommendations from his faculty advisors, who point out that he has earned high grades while taking an expanded class load that requires him to travel regularly between two Johns Hopkins campuses.

He has excelled in both of his academic disciplines. Last year, Kovalchick earned first place in an international student paper competition sponsored by the Society for Experimental Mechanics. He is principal second violinist in the Peabody Symphony Orchestra, which consists mainly of graduate students. As a sophomore, he served as concertmaster for the undergraduate Peabody Concert Orchestra.

Christopher also is president and founder of the Johns Hopkins University Forensics Team.

In addition to his studies at Johns Hopkins, Kovalchick performs in several concerts annually in the first violin section of the Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra.

Color photo of Christopher Kovalchick available; contact Phil Sneiderman.