Barry Goldwater Scholarship

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship isn’t just an award—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of pioneers in science, mathematics, and engineering. Established by Congress in 1986, the Goldwater Foundation honors Senator Barry Goldwater’s lifelong dedication to service, shaping a legacy that continues to empower the brightest minds in research.

For over 30 years, Goldwater Scholars have gone on to win prestigious fellowships, including the National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship, Churchill Scholarship, and the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship. They’re at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries—defending national security, advancing medical breakthroughs, and inspiring the scientists and engineers of tomorrow.

Are you ready to join the ranks of Goldwater Scholars? Explore the opportunities that could shape your future!

Year	Name	Major	Winner / Honorable Mention
2025	Puckett, Isaac	Biochemistry	Winner
2024	Nicastro, Ariel	Physics	Winner
2023	Kowalczyk, Elizabeth	Forensic Science	Winner
2022	Ginnab, Yaseen	Biology and Psychology	Winner
2021	Ortega, Denise	Biology	Winner
2020	Frazier, Jared	Chemistry and Computer Science	Winner
2018	Remedios, Samuel	Computer Science	Honorable Mention
2017	Cunningham, Kirsten	Biology and Chemistry	Winner
2016	Dubois, Grayson	Computer Science	Honorable Mention
2015	Harmon, Chelsea	Chemistry	Honorable Mention
2014	Harmon, Chelsea	Chemistry	Honorable Mention
2014	Herlan, Jonathan	Physics	Honorable Mention
2013	Murphy, Robert	Physics and Astronomy	Winner
2013	Herlan, Jonathan	Physics	Honorable mention
2012	Dodson, Jordan	Chemistry / Mathematics	Winner
2011	Craig, Evan	Biology	Winner
2011	Ehemann, Robert	Physics / Mathematics	Winner
2011	Rigsby, Lauren	Physics / Biology	Honorable mention
2008	Murphy, Shannon	Biology	Honorable mention
2007	Barnes, Taylor	Physics / Chemistry	Winner

MTSU trio earn Goldwater Scholars recognition

MTSU students celebrate their recognition from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program alongside university leaders. Pictured from left: University Honors College Dean John Vile, Goldwater Scholarship recipient Chris Ehemann, Goldwater honorable-mention Lauren Rigsby, Goldwater recipient Evan Craig, Honors Adviser Laura Clippard, and College of Basic and Applied Sciences Dean Tom Cheatham.

Ehemann, a senior from Tullahoma majoring in physics and mathematics, earned a one-year Goldwater Scholarship and plans to pursue a doctorate in theoretical astrophysics, researching objects like new stars and black holes. Rigsby, a junior Honors College Buchanan Fellow from Rockvale, Tenn., received an honorable mention from the Hanover, N.H.-based Goldwater program and intends to earn a degree in medical physics to conduct research in radiation oncology. Craig, a sophomore Buchanan Fellow from Arlington, Tenn., and biology major, secured a two-year Goldwater Scholarship, which will support his ongoing molecular biology research and graduate school studies.

(MTSU Photographic Services photo by Andy Heidt).