Four Barrett, The Honors College Students Among Five ASU Nominees for Goldwater Scholarship

The Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement announced the nomination of five Arizona State University students for the 2025 Goldwater Scholarship, the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate award for students in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

This year’s nominees—Noah Gonzalez, Hanson Nguyen, Chloe Rozalsky, Ella Schulte, and Sophia Cerna—exemplify ASU’s commitment to research excellence and expanding access to STEM opportunities. Four of the nominees are first-generation college students, underscoring ASU’s dedication to providing opportunity and access to motivated students from varied backgrounds.

ASU has established itself as a leading producer of Goldwater Scholars, with 20 recipients in the past decade. The nomination process is highly competitive, requiring students to craft detailed research proposals and personal statements reflecting their academic and career aspirations. This year’s nominees have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their fields. Four of them are students in Barrett, The Honors College, where they have had access to rigorous coursework and undergraduate research opportunities.

The Goldwater Scholarship, established by Congress in 1986 to honor Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater, supports students pursuing research careers in science and engineering. ASU, a leading producer of Goldwater Scholars with 20 recipients in the past decade, is allowed to nominate up to four students, with an additional nomination through the transfer student process.

The nomination process is highly competitive, requiring students to submit detailed research proposals and personal statements reflecting their academic and career aspirations. For many of the nominees, the journey has involved overcoming significant challenges.

“Time has been a never-ending dilemma for me,” said Gonzalez, a transfer student studying physics. “Managing my workload as a physics student and undergraduate researcher is tough, but I’ve learned to prioritize effectively.”

Schulte, a conservation biology and ecology major, shared how the nomination serves as a pivotal milestone in her career.

“Being nominated for the Goldwater Scholarship is a profound honor and a validation of my commitment to scientific excellence,” she said. “It marks a significant step forward, distinguishing me as a researcher and opening doors to new opportunities.”

The Goldwater Scholarship is designed to support students who aspire to earn doctoral degrees and contribute to advancements in their fields. Rozalsky, a double major in biological sciences and earth and space exploration, sees the recognition as a crucial step in her future goals.

“Being nominated has reinforced that a research career is the correct path for me,” Rozalsky said. “It drives me to be more ambitious in my aspirations for graduate school and to push the boundaries of my research.”

Many nominees have faced challenges in their research journeys, from mastering complex techniques to balancing coursework with research responsibilities.

“When I was learning molecular cloning, it took a lot of long hours and pivoting before I got my desired results,” Schulte said. “But when I finally had success, the excitement and drive I felt confirmed that research is where I want to be.”

The nominees encourage other students to seek out research opportunities early and persist through challenges.

“Immerse yourself in your passions and approach every opportunity with dedication,” Schulte advised. “Keep your applications clear and focused and let your achievements speak for themselves.”

Gonzalez echoed the sentiment, emphasizing perseverance. “Just be persistent and curious—nothing can really beat that,” he said. “Let your ambition carry you away.”

The recipients of the 2025 Goldwater Scholarship will be announced in March. Prospective applicants for next year’s cycle are encouraged to contact ASU’s Office of National Scholarships Advisement for guidance.