Our Students, Their Stories

Samantha Taylor, Political Science and Philosophy, 2025; Knight-Hennessy Scholar

Aspiring lawyer Samantha Taylor lives her life fighting for the causes she’s passionate about. “My goal is to address mass incarceration and how it disproportionately affects Black people,” said Taylor. “The best opportunity for me to do that would be in a public defense capacity where I’m able to directly help, but I am also interested in focusing on systemic intervention through appellate law.” Read the full article here. 

Logan Hanssler, Molecular Engineering, Astrophysics, 2026; 2026 Marshall Scholar

Double-majoring in molecular engineering and astrophysics, Hanssler created his own academic path at UChicago. This included co-founding the CubeSat Laboratory and creating the Polarization-modUlated Laser Satellite Experiment (PULSE-A) program, which was selected to receive funding from NASA. He believes these factors helped him receive the “opportunity of a lifetime” with the Marshall Scholarship. “I thought that this program was a one in a million dream but now it’s going to help me do the research that I hope to lead throughout my career,” he said. Hanssler will pursue a master’s degree in optics and photonics at Imperial College London before studying at Durham University, where he intends to obtain a master’s by research in physics. Read the full article here.

Tori Harris, Anthropology, Creative Writing, 2026; 2026 Rhodes Scholar

Harris will attend Oxford University with the goal of earning her master’s of science in both African studies and archaeology. “It’s an incredible honor to be selected to study as a Rhodes Scholar,” said Harris. “There’s a part of me that feels like this is a little surreal. But I’m excited to be given this opportunity to study what I love at Oxford. I’m hoping to do right by the people who set me on this journey as I move forward in my work.” Read the full article here.

Emily Shi, Biological Sciences and Public Policy, 2020; 2025 Schwarzman Scholar

Through the Schwarzman Scholars program, she will return to a place that she hasn’t visited in almost a decade. “Gaining an intimate understanding of the culture and-day-to-day life will be something that I value on a personal level,” she said. “I also hope that the program allows me to build a much stronger understanding of Chinese culture, which I think is very important in pursuing my career goals.” Read the full article here.

Luke Magyar, Political Science MS International Relations, 2026; 2025 Truman Scholar

“It’s definitely an honor and life-changing opportunity,” said Magyar. “Being awarded the scholarship just reaffirms my decision and desire to go into and continue my public service work.” Since 2023, Magyar has worked for the Corioli Institute—a nonprofit dedicated to reintegrating formerly armed actors primarily overseas but also in the U.S. into civilian life—as their director of advocacy and outreach. The Truman scholarship will allow him to focus even more on his public service efforts. Read the full article here.

Shelley Fernando, Biological Chemistry, 2027; 2026 Goldwater Scholar

On her undergraduate research experience: “I’m interested in the spatial organization of the genome of the nucleus and the dynamic regulation of the 3D genome architecture. Nearly all the cells in our body have the same genome—genetic information in the cell that is packed in the form of chromatin that can be marked and organized in ways that control which genes are expressed in which cells.," said Fernando. "My work at UChicago focuses on the changes in chromatin organization that drive the development of B cells. I hope to use the skills that I am learning here to pursue a PhD project that uses ex vivo microscopy and computational modelling to understand the interplay between loop extrusion and epigenetic state.” Read the full article here.

Emily Chen, Chemistry, 2020; 2022 Arley D. Cathey Fellow

On her appreciation of the Arley D. Cathey Fellowship: “I feel very lucky and humbled to be part of the first class of Cathey Fellows,” said Chen. “I owe so much to professors who gave me a chance to work in their lab, and I am also grateful to friends who supported me and with whom I shared so many wonderful memories at the College. To have an opportunity to study abroad and explore my intellectual interests is an incredible privilege, and one that I intend on cherishing.” Read the full article here.

Fracesco Rahe, Fundamentals: Issues and Texts, Religious Studies, 2025; 2025 Rhodes Scholar 

On diversity and accessibility in literature: "When we’re only reading literature from our own language and the perspective of our own belief system, this leaves us vulnerable to misinformation about other groups. I want to fight back against those kinds of divisions by increasing the number of accessible translations of religious texts, so that everyone can have access to the vast and beautiful corpus of literary works situated within religious traditions." Read the full article here. 

Amala Karri, Political Science, MA International Relations, 2023; 2023 Arley D. Cathey Fellow

About her passion for building cross-country and cross-cultural relationships: “I love immersing myself in different cultures, interacting with people in different countries, and learning about their experiences and perspectives,” said Karri. “Cathey was especially appealing to me because it offered me the opportunity to continue studying and learning about the issues in which I’m most interested in an academic setting.” Read the full article here.

Sam Levy, Global Studies, Political Science, 2024; 2026 Schwarzman Scholar

With a career goal in foreign policy, Levy will gain deeper perspectives on how different political systems operate through Schwarzman Scholars: “I believe this will be an unparalleled experience in building policy decision-making skills through its leadership-focused and network-based approach,” Levy explained. “I believe that Schwarzman Scholars will help me obtain the skills that will let me combine deep academic study and research in international relations to achieve tangible results as a decision-maker in the future.” Read the full story here.

Adele Malle, Political Science, 2022; 2022 James. C Gaither Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

About her decision to apply for the James C. Gaither Junior Fellowship Program: “Participating and listening to in-person dialogue and seeing how it can be used to drive effective policy decisions is what drew me initially to Carnegie, a think tank that emphasizes peaceful conflict resolution.” Read the full story here.

Nivedina Sarma, Chemistry, 2020; current NSF Fellow and PhD candidate at Berkeley

About her undergraduate research at UChicago: “Month to month, I realize that I used to feel so uncertain about doing certain procedures, and now I can come in and do them on the weekend by myself. You have a really tangible way of measuring how much you’re learning.” Read the full article here.

Kameel Khabaz, Biological Sciences, 2022; 2022 Goldwater Scholar

About his passion for research: "My enduring vision of changing people’s lives drives my lasting commitment to scientific research and its pursuit,” said Khabaz. “Rapidly bouncing between my American and Syrian identities has taught me how to connect different thoughts, people and ideas to create something new." Read the full story here.

Ellen Purdy, Chemistry, 2019; Gates-Cambridge Scholar; current PhD candidate Chemistry, Cambridge

About her research in art conservation: “I’m fascinated by what scientific analysis can tell us about works of art and how it can be used to preserve these works for future generations. Conservation work is not often emphasized in exhibitions, but without it, the art we see would look a lot different and much of it would not exist.” Read the full article here.

Kirk Lancaster, Chemistry and Law, Letters & Society, 2018; 2021 Knight-Hennessy Scholar, JD candidate, Stanford

On his language training as a Boren Scholar: “I was both inspired by the personal connections I made in China, and assured in my commitment that the United States has a unique capacity to be a force for good in the world,” he said. “After returning from China, I was fortunate enough to complete an internship at the State Department’s Office of Chemical and Biological Weapons Affairs, which solidified these notions.”

Donna Son, French Language & Literature, Political Science, 2023; 2023 Arley D. Cathey Fellow

On her experience at the University of Chicago: “My time in the College was fundamental to shaping how I think about the world and imagine my place in it,” said Son. “It provided me the resources to further my intellectual pursuits, and I am grateful to the College for having afforded me such an opportunity.” Read the full article here.

Madeline Ouimet, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, 2022; 2020-21 College Research Fellow; 2021 Beinecke Scholar

About her archaeological research: “I hope to use sensory archaeology to change our understanding of the archaeological past broadly, moving the field toward greater representation of diverse forms of agency, including that of non-elites and the use of sensory experience as an instrument of social change.” Read the full story here.

Wilson Turner, Molecular Engineering 2023; 2022 Goldwater Scholar

About his work with CCRF: “This award serves as a confidence booster to me that the work I'm doing is actually worthwhile,” Turner said. “But I would never be able to dedicate so much time and effort to research if it was purely on a volunteer basis. I am so lucky to have been supported by CCRF through their funding programs. This scholarship will only help make things a little easier on myself and my family.” Read the full story here.

Alexandra Masegian, Astrophysics, 2023; 2021 Goldwater Scholar

On how Goldwater Scholarship will support her astrophysics career: “The Goldwater Scholars community is a veritable wealth of information about everything from fellowship and graduate school applications to navigating postdoctoral positions and academic conferences.” “I plan to take full advantage of those resources as my career in astrophysics unfolds.” Read the full story here.

Chloe Duval, Political Science and Public Policy, 2023; Boren Scholarship, Russian language and Eastern European studies in Latvia

On the long-term effects of utilizing critical thinking and flexibility during the application process: "Fellowship applications are hard, but definitely not impossible. You need to be prepared to do a lot of soul-searching about yourself, your capabilities, your goals, and your passions. I believe, through the process of applying to fellowships, you gain the opportunity to think more critically about your time in university and what motivates you. This has been really helpful in re-centering myself and realizing that not every path needs to be linear in order to be fulfilling," said Duval. "For example, I have re-evaluated my career goals and passions in the process of writing, editing, submitting, and choosing to accept a Boren Scholarship. After writing my thesis and speaking with my mentors, I've now opened my mind to the possibility of continuing my research and education in Russian and Eastern European Studies after my time abroad."

Ozan Beran Akturan, Biological Sciences, 2020; 2019 Schwarzman Scholar

On how cultural exchange has shaped him as a leader: “Interacting with people from very different backgrounds has been transformational since it pushed me to ask challenging questions about myself: What are my values, and how do I make peace with my identity and still be able to function and find happiness in different cultures?” Read the full story here.

Vivek Ramakrishnan, Public Policy Studies, 2020; 2019 Truman Scholar

On his plans to improve the child welfare system through data: “I think there is a future where data can be used to genuinely connect people with services who need it the most, and who are currently disconnected from support,” said Ramakrishnan. “I really want to be part of this defining moment to make sure the field moves in the right direction.” Read the full story here.

Joseph Guter, Molecular Engineering 2023; 2022 Goldwater Scholar

On his work as a research assistant: “I have been challenged to take on an ambitious and advanced research project but have also been given the training and support I need to do so with confidence,” Guter said. “Both socially and academically, I feel at home there, and my experiences have only made me more excited for life as a graduate student and researcher.” Read the full story here. 

Lucas Tse, Fundamentals, 2018; 2017 Rhodes Scholar

Tse credits UChicago scholars with guiding him “through philosophical and religious texts across traditions and helping me work toward an understanding of the core problems.” Read the full story here.

Nicholas Posegay, Near Eastern Language/Civ, Religious Studies, & Middle Eastern Studies, 2017 ; 2017 Gates-Cambridge Scholar

On his research: “Educating others about the Middle East, with an emphasis on linguistic and religious diversity, is the best way for me to contribute to broadening perceptions about multiculturalism in the region.” Read the full story here.

Emerson Ahn, Political Science, 2023; Boren Scholarship - Indonesian Flagship Language Initiative

On collaborating with campus partners and fellowship advisors: "I first learned about the College Center for Research and Fellowships (CCRF) when I started the Fulbright application process. I worked closely with a CCRF advisor on my Fulbright essays, and she recommended I consider the Boren Scholarship, which more closely aligned with my academic and career interests in foreign language and national security," said Ahn. "CCRF provides an excellent timeline for Boren and Fulbright applicants, which allows you to balance application writing with your coursework."

Prithi Srinivasan, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, 2026; 2025 Goldwater Scholar; 2026 Gates Cambridge Scholar

Prithi Srinivasan will pursue a Ph.D. in cell biology at the University of Cambridge. She will be working in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology trying to understand the mechanisms of RNA translocation in cells, a process especially important in defining cell patterning and fate specification. It’s something that excites her, and she plans on taking advantage of the network of scientists she will be working with daily. Read the full article here.

Maxime Kpangbai, Economics, 2020; 2025-26 Schwarzman Scholar

“Having grown up in China, being with my Schwarzman Cohort and re-experiencing the country through the eyes of those who are there for the first time will be quite unique,” she said when asked about being given the chance to return. “I’m quite excited to just explore different parts of the country as well. I just want to be immersed in the culture and spend time traveling and learning the different dialects.” Read the full article here.

Elena Tiedens, Environmental History, minor in Russian and Eastern European Studies, 2023; 2025 Gates Cambridge Scholar

At Cambridge’s Scott Polar Research Institute, Tiedens plans to expand her current research on the post-Soviet Arctic and is excited to learn about the broader histories and cultures of the region. “I seek to understand how this energy and infrastructural transition impacted the broader Arctic region and simultaneously laid bare patterns of infrastructural use and reuse across the world,” she said. “Through my graduate work at Cambridge, I also look forward to the opportunity to conduct more research, both archival and oral historical, in Arctic countries and would love the opportunity to return to Norway and visit the Finnish far north to understand local perspectives on Arctic infrastructure.” Read the full article here.

Mónica Ruiz House, Law, Letters & Society, Sociology, Spanish, and Latin American & Caribbean Studies, 2024; 2024 Davis Projects for Peace, 2024 Hugo F. Sonnenschein Medal of Excellence; 2025 Marshall Scholar

About her Projects for Peace initiative, a comprehensive data project that will map the locations where migrants have lost their lives while crossing the U.S.-Mexico border: “We hope that policy changes will also occur as data on the impacts of prevention through deterrence become more robust,” she said. “By drawing attention to the human cost of policies like this one, we hope to push border policy in a peaceful direction: with accountability, transparency, and compassion for migrant life as guiding principles." Read the full article here.

Cara Wilson, Public Policy and Middle Eastern Studies, 2025; 2025 Carnegie Fellow

Cara Wilson has been selected by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to take part in its James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program. The program provides a yearlong fellowship to high-achieving college graduates to work in Washington, D.C. as research assistants to Carnegie’s senior scholars. Starting this fall, Wilson will assist the nonpartisan international affairs think tank in their nuclear policy division. Read the full article here.

Ethan Ostrow, Law, Letters & Society, Sociology, 2024; 2024 Marshall Scholar

On his work participating in and studying the efficacy of restorative justice: “Conducting writing workshops alongside people experiencing incarceration has shown me how mass incarceration progressively detracts from our collective safety, economically and politically disenfranchises entire communities, and exacerbates our nation’s mental health and housing crises,” he said. "If the goal of incarceration is to correct human behavior, the institution of prison is a failure.” Read the full article here.

Anqi Qu, Economics, 2025; 2025 Rhodes Scholar

On AI in economic research and policy: "We are at a pivotal point in history where AI can democratize knowledge and spur unprecedented progress, but it can also drive inequality and entrench disadvantages. As we work on this frontier, it’s essential to consider critically the social structures we are establishing for future generations. I see the development of equitable AI as one of humanity’s most pressing challenges, and I’m committed to ensuring that the outcome is a more just society.” Read the full article here. 

Xavier Wu, Political Science, Economics, 2024; Schwarzman Scholar

On pursuing a master's degree in global affairs at Tsinghua University: “I’m just hoping to see a greater perspective, which will allow me to solve a bigger problem,” he said. “I think this program will definitely give me a platform where I see the world from a better angle.” Read the full article here.

Vincent Wang, Mathematics, Computer Science, 2027; 2026 Goldwater Scholar

As a double major in mathematics and computer science, he hopes to use mathematics to better understand why machine learning has improved so much over the past decade in order to make it safer and more rigorous. “I think a very compelling part of machine learning is that it is a field that has many interesting empirical phenomena that we don’t quite understand,” Wang said. Read the full article here.

Noelani Bernal, Global Studies, Romance Languages & Literatures, 2021; 2021-2022 Fulbright Grantee, Brazil, English Teaching Assistant Award

On her Fulbright application experience: “The benefit of starting so early is being able to do the application very thoroughly. I always felt like someone was guiding me through the application process," added Bernal. “I realized how rigorous [CCRF advisors] are, not just with Fulbright but other grants as well. They definitely know what you need to put in your application. That information isn't as available or accessible at other institutions. So that was really eye opening for me when I got to Brazil and met other Fulbright scholars.”

Stephanie Reitzig, History, 2022; CRASSH & Smart Scholar

About her undergraduate research experience at UChicago: “I really believe in the importance of bringing scholarly humanities research to the general public in an engaging and relevant way.” Read the full article here.

Russell Legate-Yang, Economics and Mathematics, 2022; 2024 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow

About his research, which focuses on understanding and improving K-12 public school effectiveness: "Targeted recovery efforts require that we first understand what works and why: Why do learning losses persist? Which schools and programs effectively help students?” he said. “We only get a few chances to pick a new neighborhood, job, or school, and we cannot run experiments in our lives to decide. We need research to help us make effective and informed decisions.” Read the full story here.

Lily Dube, English Literature, 2015; Rhodes Scholar 2016, Oxford

About her plans as a Rhodes Scholar: Dube would eventually like to pursue doctoral studies in education, enabling her to one day teach literature, education and writing at the university level. “I would love to mentor well-rounded African academics who have the potential to produce regionally and globally impactful scholarship,” she said, “especially among traditionally underrepresented groups.” Read the full story here.

Eyshe Beirich, Jewish & Germanic Studies 2023; 2022 Beinecke Scholar

On his passion for Yiddish studies: "Like many people my age who come to Yiddish, it began as a way to try and connect to a family language and as a way of identifying where I came from—it developed into my biggest passion and is now the locus that my life revolves around,” said Beirich. “Over the last two years, Yiddish has become my most central companion, hobby and relief." Read the full story here.

Caroline Longo, Art History and Chemistry, 2021; Undergraduate Research Associate at the SMART Museum of Art

On art conservation as an interdisciplinary field: “Conservation is so much more than conducting treatments. A great deal of interdisciplinary research goes into determining the best treatment or exhibition plans for a work of art. My conservation research with the Smart has given me key skills needed to think critically about questions in the conservation field and has been a crucial stepping stone in my career.” Read the full story here.

Shree Mehrotra, Environmental Science, 2020; 2019 Boren Scholar, 2022 Arley D. Cathey Fellow

On her research experience at UChicago: “My time at UChicago shaped my critical thinking and research skills as well as my perspective on the world,” she said. “I had a number of supportive professors and mentors who encouraged me to explore my interests and continue to served as a great resource.” Read the full article here.

Salma Elkhaoudi, Political Science; 2021 Knight-Hennessy Scholar, PhD candidate in Anthropology, Stanford

On her human rights experiences at UChicago: “These internships gave me unparalleled insight into the various perspectives and lived situations of marginalized people around the world, something that pulled me out of the ivory tower and into situations where degrees are irrelevant.” Read the full story here.

Emily Beltran, Biological Sciences, 2017; 2020 NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholar; doctoral candidate, Oxford

About how her research experiences at UChicago inspired her to apply for NIH OxCam:  “I wasn’t just working in the lab doing assays. I was actually at a very early stage, as an undergrad, really driving my own experiments.” Read the full story here.

Justin Tabin, Biology and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, 2022; 2021 Goldwater Scholar

On his research interests: “A book I really love is The Study of Instinct by Nikolaas Tinbergen, which is all about animal behavior,” Tabin said. “I want to study behavior and how it evolved genetically. It's such a fascinating subject and there's so much we don't know yet." Read the full story here.

Kristen Busch, Economics & AM International Relations, 2021; 2020 Truman Scholar

About her commitment to disability justice: “I am challenged daily to rethink my notions of ableism and my part in making a more accessible world,” said Busch, who first began working with people with disabilities as a tutor in middle school. “While my role has evolved over the years, my belief in an equitable future remains strong, and I plan to devote my career to creating access and equality through public service.” Read the full story here.

Nicole Arellano, Creative Writing, Biological Sciences 2022; National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow

On embracing the learning curve that is fellowship application: "I've learned how important failure is. I've learned how to write, rewrite, and revise clearly and concisely. Students should take breaks, learn to be okay with accepting critical feedback, and try new things," said Arellano. "I took inspiration from my PI, Shannon Elf! Her ambition, tenacity, and compassion translates not only to her research but her mentorship style. She's inspired me to pursue a PhD in Cancer Biology. Many current cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, are very toxic and greatly diminish quality of life. I hope to perform research that identifies new drug targets to inform development of more tolerable therapies."

Clare Singer, Physics and Mathematics, 2018; 2017 Goldwater Scholar

On her research: “I am looking to work in a scientific community that also has political connections,” Singer said. “I sense the urgency in my field and want to position myself such that my research can have the largest, fastest impact on policy reform regarding climate change and carbon emissions.” Read the full story here.

Gaurav Kalwani, South Asian Languages and Civilizations & Public Policy, 2019; 2019 James. C Gaither Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

On his plans as a James C. Gaither Fellow: “I believe exposure to the field of nuclear policy will help me more specifically define my path toward my eventual goal of leading the United States’ diplomatic efforts in nonproliferation and arms control.” Read the full story here.

Erin Simpson, Public Policy, 2015; 2014 Truman Scholar and 2016 Marshall Scholar

On using social science to understand the Internet: “Now, more than ever, we need to take a more critical approach to the ways that technology is influencing our civic life,” said Simpson, who plans to pursue a career in public service. “Social inequities are being replicated and amplified through our consumer technology, and our civic institutions need greater capacity to combat that trend.” Read the full story here.

Everett Black, Visual Arts, 2021; CRASSH Scholar

On studying the interaction of artistic expression and chemistry in the ceramics process: “Unlike painting or more traditional sculpture, there is little indication of what the product will look like from its beginnings, there is more alchemy to it. Like baking, you mix your ingredients and put it in the 'oven' hoping that it comes out, and only through repetition can knowledge of the materials be acquired. This provides rich questions around the role of expression in ceramics.” Read the full story here.

Defne Buyukyazgan, Statistics and Psychology, 2022; CRASSH Scholar

On how her research has prepared her for her future: “I was thinking about doing graduate work in cognitive or computational neuroscience, so getting to work in a lab led by a cognitive neuroscientist has exposed me to methods and the literature that revolves around my newly found interests.” Read the full story here.

Elijah Jenkins, Race, Diaspora and Indigeneity; Law, Letters, and Society; MA International Relations, 2026; 2026 Marshall Scholar

Elijah Jenkins plans to pursue a master of studies degree in global and imperial history at Oxford during the first year of the program, followed by a master’s of philosophy in development studies at Cambridge. He hopes these two degrees will expand his perspective on how to give Pacific nations more power over their own futures. Read the full article here.

Erica Hogan, Economics and Fundamentals: Issues and Texts, 2023; 2025 Gates Cambridge Scholars

Erica Hogan will pursue a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge fall 2025. The focus of Hogan’s studies at Cambridge will be Zambia’s negotiations with its creditors to restructure its Eurobonds. She hopes to use this as a case study for a broader project focusing on the role of American and English financial law in creating hierarchy in the international financial system. Hogan said she hopes to take advantage of the unique opportunities that Cambridge will provide for her. Read the full article here.

Mason McCormack, Astrophysics, 2027; 2026 Astronaut Scholar; 2026 Goldwater Scholar

"Winning the Goldwater Scholarship has really given me confidence in my abilities. It’s such an affirmation that what I’m doing is worthwhile and worthy of a prestigious fellowship," said McCormack. "It has unlocked more freedom with what I am trying to do. It tells me that rather than just trying to align all of my work with a certain graduate program or professor that I might not necessarily fit into, I should continue to explore different fields and cool projects. This tells me that all the work that I have done is work that is genuinely worth doing." Read the full article here.

Ricky Holder, Public Policy Studies 2023; 2023 Marshall Scholar, 2023 Hugo F. Sonnenschein Medal of Excellence

On his dedication to reshaping the child welfare system: “It is a cruel irony that low-income families are disintegrated in the name of child welfare, yet this welfare is so rarely achieved. Rather than destroying low-income families, the child welfare system should strengthen them, and I am determined to make this happen," said Holder. “I hope to construct the system I so desperately needed as a child while building a model of child welfare worthy of emulation.” Read the full story here.

Joe Zhang, Economics, 2026; 2026 Schwarzman Scholar

“Schwarzman represents a chance to deepen my understanding of international economic and legal frameworks while learning alongside peers whose experiences span entrepreneurship and public service,” said Zhang. “The program’s curriculum also offers specialized exposure to China’s role in global systems, which is a perspective that can be difficult to access." Read the full article here. 

Kenatu Habetaslassa, Global Studies and Public Policy, 2024; 2022-2023 Gilman Scholar, South Korea

On overcoming self-doubt in order to produce sincere and powerful applications: "Apply. Apply. Apply. I can assure you that I doubted my ability to get this funding and to make these experiences a reality. Put in your bid, and you may be surprised with the outcome. Truly reflect and try to get across why you need this opportunity in your essays by showing that you are more than deserving, even when you may have doubts," said Habetaslassa. "I hope to help other students from backgrounds like mine see that studying abroad is possible, and that there are resources to make it happen. I also personally hope to foster greater language and cultural exchange with this opportunity."

Arthur Costa, Chemistry, 2027; 2026 Goldwater Scholar

On the Goldwater Scholarship: “It is certainly an honor to receive the Goldwater Scholarship. The award validates the value of the work that I have been doing and gives me confidence as I travel down the path that I aim to follow throughout my career. I’m even more driven and excited to continue my research and to see what comes next," said Costa. "I couldn’t have done it without my professors and fellow classmates here at UChicago. The focus on scientific inquiry and methods throughout every course has made me a better scientist and has inspired new ideas to help me learn what problems matter and how I can tackle them." Read the full article here.

Tommy Hagan, Fundamentals: Issues and Texts, Philosophy, 2021; Mitchell Scholar

On his work with prison abolition and fostering enduring peace: “In order to realize peace and safety anywhere, we need to abolish institutions of state violence and direct resources towards life-affirming institutions that address the underlying causes of harmful behavior,” Read the full article here.

Georgia Wluka, Environmental Studies, Anthropology, 2025; Udall Scholar

On how climate policy—particularly energy policy—is the most effective way to make scalable, lasting, impactful change: “The clean energy transition is undeniably daunting—fossil fuel use is baked into the way we operate,” she said. “However, the breadth and depth of potential solutions matches the scale of the challenge: clean energy solutions can benefit public health, social access, food systems, economic opportunity and cultural connection, too.” Read the full article here.

Joe Joseph, Economics, 2017; Two-time Fulbright Scholar to Madrid, Spain, 2018 and 2019

About his Fulbright experience in Spain: “You're intentionally removing yourself from support systems and roots that you have built over many years to commit yourself to something foreign and unknown. The beauty of isolation is the opportunity to get to know yourself better and to spend intentional time on introspection…Living abroad forced me to confront the realities of what I want and what I’m capable of [achieving].” Read the full article here.

Isabelle Russo, Political Science, 2023; 2023 Arley D. Cathey Fellow

About her passion for developing climate friendly transportation solutions for communities of all sizes: “After my U.K. graduate work, I know that with my expertise, as well the relationships I will develop with Cambridge scholars, policy experts, and transportation leaders, I can be a bridge between the two nations in pursuing this critical work,” said Russo. “In the end, I hope to play a role in helping the U.S. and U.K. partner with other nations on the road to an accessible, efficient and climate-resilient future.” Read the full article here.

Ade Ayoola, Biological Sciences, 2019; Current Knight-Henessy Scholar, MD and MPP Candidate, Stanford

About her global health research in Nigeria: “Being in Nigeria affirmed my desire to make a change that positively affects our global community,” said Ayoola. “I saw that to truly improve health as a physician, I had to understand current barriers to receiving quality health care, how to create effective health policies and how to implement them with a focus on what’s best for the community.” Read the full story here. 

Pradnya Narkhede, Chemistry, 2018; 2017 Goldwater Scholar; 2017 Marshall Scholar, MSt Edinburgh; Doctoral candidate, Cambridge

About her committment to science and research: “In examining and engineering plant, microbial and other living systems, I hope to advance the prospects for food and energy security as well as human health by developing more stress-tolerant crops, robust sources of renewable biofuels and living factories for life-saving medicines.” Read the full story here.

Joe Henry, Psychology, 2021; Undergraduate Researcher

On what inspires him to pursue research: “When a researcher asks a question, they are attempting to unravel a mystery. When that mystery has to do with why we think and behave the way we do, it feels to me like you are poking at the very questions of our existence. It is quite invigorating to consider a job that is aimed at answering these larger questions.” Read the full story here.

Devshi Mehrotra, Computer Science, 2019; 2018 Schwarzman Scholar 

On her time at UChicago: “The activities I have taken part in over the course of my undergraduate experience have affirmed to me that I would like to dedicate my life toward finding ways technology can be leveraged as a means to equalize opportunity for those who are most underserved in society and work towards social justice along racial and socioeconomic lines.” Read the full story here.

Alexandra Nisenoff, Creative Writing, Computer Science and Astrophysics 2021; National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow

On the importance of establishing an academic support system: "Writing these applications was a wonderful opportunity to step back and reflect on my research, how it fit into my overall goals, and the impact it could have on the world. It was also an opportunity to practice clearly and concisely explaining my work to people who come from a variety of backgrounds while appreciating how much I had accomplished during my time at UChicago," said Nisenoff. "I was incredibly fortunate to have several research advisors who uplifted me throughout my undergraduate experience. With their support, I learned so much about research and myself, and I wouldn't have thought that I was qualified to apply without their encouragement."

Meera Santhanam, Political Science, 2021; 2021 Critical Language Scholar, 2022 Arley D. Cathey Fellow, CRASSH Scholar

On her goals as a Cathey Fellow: “I hope to address the systemic racism that causes people of color to be disproportionately incarcerated and allows police and correctional officer misconduct to persist,” said Santhanam. “Specifically, I want to begin my career in direct services and ultimately engage in policy work and impact litigation to challenge the racism and class-based discrimination that persist across carceral systems.” Read the full article here.

Claudia Yao, Mathematics, 2022; 2021 Goldwater Scholar

About her passion for visualization: “In topology, visualization is an important tool that helps provide the mathematical argument with intuition and transparency,” she said. “There is almost always a connection between the proof and ‘the picture.’ I love visualizing things and find this interaction between pictures and proofs beautiful and natural.” Read the full story here.

Bernadette Miao, Chemistry, Biological Chemistry 2023; 2022 Goldwater Scholar

On her future research: “As a scientist, I will see disease as a challenge but, as a physician, I will view disease as a journey in which I hope to accompany and compassionately serve my patients,” she said. “I envision conducting basic science research by investigating disease at the molecular level but also more translatable research focused on developing therapeutics for diseases.” Read the full story here.

Rodrigo Estrada, Economics & AM International Relations, 2021; 2020 Truman Scholar

About his commitment to serving border communities: “At a time when border communities like mine are increasingly misunderstood and demonized, I seek to redefine the public’s perception of the border by elevating the region’s uniquely binational, bicultural and bilingual assets.” Read the full story here.

Austin Christhilf, Political Science and Economics, 2021; CRASSH Scholar

On his political science research project as part of CRASSH: “The project I am broadly involved in is building a dataset of declassified Presidential Daily Briefs from the 60s and 70s, including extracting text and coding features and topics within each brief. My personal project with this data involves looking at the emotive characteristics of these intelligence briefings to find how these vary temporally and across states, regions and events.” Read the full story here.

Sarah Nakasone, Global Studies, 2019; 2018 Marshall Scholar

On her plans as a Marshall Scholar: “The Marshall Scholarship allows me to return to the U.K. as they lead one of the most exciting moments in HIV prevention in decades,” said Nakasone. “I was lucky enough to build connections with activist groups this summer, especially at a moment when they are concerned about bringing women in the U.K. into the HIV movement, and now I will have the time and funding to learn more from them.” Read the full story here.

Soreti Teshome, Public Policy & Comparitive Race and Ethnic Studies, 2018; 2017 Truman Scholar

On how her research serves the public: “In Chicago, there are legal resources to help people navigate the expungement process. My work has involved trying to identify why these resources are underutilized and how they can become more accessible to the people who need them.” Read the full story here.

Seth Musser, Physics and Mathematics, 2017; 2017 Churchill Scholar

On his plans as  Churchill Scholar: “The opportunity to study at Cambridge is an unparalleled chance for me to spend an entire year solely focused on learning theory,” said Musser, who plans eventually to pursue a doctoral degree in theoretical physics. “The mathematics program is known for being exceptionally rigorous and for presenting things in elegant ways that emphasize symmetries. It will provide me a firm base on which to build future research.” Read the full story here.

Samuel Boland, Public Policy with Human Rights minor, 2016; 2016 Marshall Scholar and 2015 Truman Scholar

On what drives his work: “There is a camaraderie that exists among those who have decided to put themselves at some risk to do work like this,” Boland said. “I saw colleagues who, in the midst of tragedy, were able to mitigate and alleviate a huge amount of suffering. I don’t know how I could go through such an experience and not decide that this is the right thing to do.” Read the full story here.