Ohio State students named Goldwater Scholars for 2026

Ohio State students named Goldwater Scholars for 2026

The university has produced 81 Goldwater Scholars

Four students from The Ohio State University have been recognized by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program for their commitment to scientific research.

For 40 years, the Goldwater Scholarship has supported talented college sophomores and juniors who aspire to become this nation's next generation of researchers in science, engineering and mathematics. Students are selected based on their academic merit, a strong commitment to a research career in STEM, and leadership in their chosen field.

"I am so proud of Cindy, Srestha, Ruby and Mitchell for having earned Goldwater Scholarships," said Trevor Brown, interim executive vice president and provost. "Through their commitment to scholarly excellence and impactful research, they exemplify the very best of our university's undergraduate students. They have bright futures as dedicated researchers, and I commend them for this recognition."

Cindy An is a third-year honors student, Stamps Eminence Scholar and Advancing Distinction in NeuroImaging Research (ADNiR) Scholar, majoring in neuroscience and psychology with a minor in statistics. Her research with Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Professor Jessica Turner and Assistant Professor Mindy Westlund Schreiner uses cognitive neuroscience to explore brain mechanisms related to suicidality in psychosis.

"Going into college, my dream has always been to become a researcher, and receiving the Goldwater Scholarship has been an amazing confirmation of the work I've done and my aspirations in academia," An said. "It is so empowering to be given this opportunity to join a community of like-minded researchers."

Outside the lab, she leads the art club CTRL + Paint, which promotes mental health through creative expression, and serves on the board of the One of Us Global Foundation, which empowers youth worldwide.

An plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and lead her own lab studying psychosis and suicidality, research that will help shape future interventions and support those facing mental health challenges.

Srestha Chattopadhyay is a second-year honors student and Stamps Eminence Scholar majoring in biomedical engineering on the pre-med track. She conducts research in cancer immunotherapy under the supervision of Professor Elaine Mardis at Nationwide Children's Hospital, focusing on improving the safety and effectiveness of immune-based treatments for pediatric patients.

"Receiving the Goldwater Scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me; it feels like a true affirmation of the path I've been working toward and the reasons I chose it in the first place," Chattopadhyay said. "I hope to pursue an MD/PhD in cancer biology and contribute to pediatric oncology research, particularly in advancing immunotherapy for childhood cancers, and this recognition makes those goals feel more tangible and motivating. It reinforces my commitment to developing new therapeutics that can make a meaningful difference for young cancer patients and their families."

In addition to her research, Chattopadhyay is engaged in campus and community service through Universal Health Aid, the Biomedical Engineering Society and Project PEER.

Ruby Mitchell is a third-year honors student and Beckman Scholar, majoring in chemistry with a minor in Spanish. At Ohio State, she conducts research with Professor Bern Kohler and the Kohler group, investigating melanin's structure-property relationships and potential radical pathways through photochemical characterization.

"I am so excited and honored to receive this award. It's a reflection of the unwavering support and encouragement I have received from Ohio State and the Chemistry Department. I especially want to thank Bern Kohler and Barbara Fornaciari for their mentorship and exceptional guidance," Mitchell said. "I couldn't have done this without them. I look forward to continuing my research career and hope that I am lucky enough to have such a wonderful community of advisers and friends in graduate school and beyond. "

Beyond the lab, Mitchell serves as a teaching assistant for organic chemistry laboratories, volunteers with Bella Care Hospice and is a board member for Ohio State's American Chemical Society Chapter. She has been recognized with multiple department awards and Ohio State's Maximus Scholarship.

Mitchell plans to pursue a PhD in physical chemistry and a research career focused on developing biomaterials for sustainable energy and photocatalysis.

Aatmaj Rajesh is a third-year honors student majoring in physics with a minor in mathematics. His research spans both theory and experiment in condensed matter physics. At Ohio State, he works with Professor Jeanie Lau on experimental condensed matter physics, fabricating 2-D material devices, and with Associate Professor of Physics Brian Skinner on theoretical condensed matter and quantum information science.

"Receiving the Goldwater Scholarship is both an incredible honor and a strong source of motivation for me," he said. "It feels like a validation of the time and effort I have put in, reinforces my commitment to pursuing research in condensed matter physics, and inspires me to continue working toward the development of future quantum technologies."

Rajesh serves as chief operations officer of the Be W.I.S.E. Initiative, leading efforts to inspire young students to pursue STEM careers, leads the Quantum Club at Ohio State and mentors students through the Physics Momentum Mentorship Program.

The Goldwater Board awarded 454 scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year. This, combined with continued support for 59 sophomores from the 2026 competition, marks the highest total number of scholars the foundation has ever supported in a single year.

With the 2026 awards, the Goldwater Foundation will have awarded a total of 11,616 scholarships.

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