Two MSU students have won the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for their work with STEM-related research.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, established in 1986, aims to seek students committed to research in the fields of mathematics, science or engineering, and reward them with funds that go toward tuition and living expenses according to the Goldwater Scholarship website.
The two MSU scholars to receive the scholarship are Honors College seniors Rebecca Carlson and Megan Kechner. Carlson is double majoring in chemical engineering and Chinese. Kechner is also double majoring in neuroscience and psychology.
Kechner and Carlson are the newest of the 42 MSU students to have been awarded the scholarship since the award was established.
Many Goldwater Scholars go on to earn additional scholarships for graduate school. Even if that isn’t the case, the first-hand experience allows students to develop a skill set ranging from analytical and critical thinking to learning to adapt if research doesn’t go as intended, Dean of MSU Honors College Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore wrote in an email to The State News.
“It is exciting for the Honors College and MSU that our students are so competitive for this national level scholarship,” Jackson-Elmoore said. “It is certainly something we can all be proud of and join in celebrating the success of these and other students.”
With two MSU students receiving this award, it says a lot about the university Kechner told The State News.
“The fact that two students from MSU won the award this year is a testament that this university has exceptionally driven students and faculty who are committed to academic excellence,” she said.
The following two MSU students also received honorable mention for the award: Honors College students Christine Isaguirre and Aaron Oom. Isaguirre is a biosystems engineering junior, and Oom majors is a biochemistry and molecular biology junior.
“Being awarded a Goldwater Scholarship means a great deal to me,” Kechner said. “It is confirmation that I have demonstrated outstanding potential in STEM-related research and have the commitment worthy to make significant contributions in this field.”
Kechner also said she feels both honored and humbled to receive such recognition from the Goldwater Program.
Kechner, who plans to pursue a doctorate or master’s degree specializing in neurology, credits her academic success in part to her hands-on opportunities at MSU, as well as forecasting for future success.
“My experiences at MSU have helped me in achieving this award by providing me with exposure to hands-on scientific research and academic opportunity necessary to be an exceptional candidate for the award,” Kechner said. “These experiences will surely continue to help after college as they have given me the passion, determination and skill necessary for top-tier graduate admission and success in my future career.”
