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.

 “I was so excited to receive the Goldwater Scholarship because it feels amazing to be recognized for my research abilities,” said Fitzgerald, an environmental science major whose current research is focused on locating illegal sand mines in South Africa. “I’ve developed everything that I know about research here at Duquesne, and it’s really a testament to the strength of our programs.”

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.

“By providing access to research experiences early on in my education, Duquesne allowed me to bulk up my synthetic toolbox a lot when it came time for me to apply for outside research experiences, awards and scholarships,” said Funke, a chemistry and biochemistry major focused on improving biomedical imaging dyes for medical diagnostic purposes.

“Receiving the Goldwater Scholarship is a testament to my perseverance and passion for scientific research,” said Newman, a chemistry and biochemistry major whose work involves developing novel antibiotics to combat bacterial pathogens. “The faculty at Duquesne have been so helpful and encouraging that I can now manage my own projects, which has made me more confident as a researcher.”

“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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