Three Students Receive Prestigious Goldwater Scholarships

Madison Fitzgerald, Alayna Funke and Trista Newman have been recognized for their exceptional academic achievements and commitment to research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Goldwater Scholarship is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious undergraduate science awards in the United States. This year’s selection of three Duquesne students underscores the university’s growing reputation as a hub for academic excellence and student research. 14 Duquesne students have received the award in the past 13 years.

This year’s recipients include:

• Madison Fitzgerald, an environmental science major whose research subjects include radon impact, particulate matter and carbon in forests; 
• Alayna Funke, a chemistry and biochemistry major, who is pursuing work in biomedical imaging dyes to improve medical processes;
• Trista Newman, a chemistry and biochemistry major whose research includes testing compounds for antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens.

“These scholarships are a testament not only to the incredible dedication and talent of Madison, Alayna and Trista, but also to the robust support of faculty mentors and research opportunities at Duquesne,” said Dean of the School of Science and Engineering. Dr. Ellen Gawalt. “We are immensely proud of these students and their commitment to scientific inquiry and discovery.”

The Goldwater Foundation awards scholarships to provide financial support and national recognition to students who intend to pursue research careers in the sciences.

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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