Juniors Aidan Li, Makenna Fluegel, and Sean Wang have been honored with the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a coveted annual award of $7,500 bestowed upon 438 undergraduates nationwide. The scholarship recognizes outstanding undergraduates with aspirations to pursue a PhD in science, mathematics, or engineering. The trio’s selection was announced on April 5.
Li, Fluegel, and Wang earned one of the University’s four nominations after impressing a committee of STEM faculty at WashU. Subsequently, they were chosen from a competitive pool of approximately 1,200 nominees across the nation. Applicants were required to provide insights into their ongoing research, future career aspirations, and personal backgrounds.
Li, a Chemistry Major, spotlighted his research on the underlying causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, conducted in Harrison Gabel’s lab at the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM). Initiated during his sophomore year, Li’s research endeavors have culminated in a publication in the esteemed scientific journal Molecular Cell. Despite his initial unawareness of the Goldwater Scholarship, Li’s last-minute application proved successful.
Fluegel, a Biology Major specializing in neuroscience, hails from Sedalia, Missouri, and is a first-generation college student. Her journey at WashU has been fueled by a passion for scientific exploration, driven by her perception of the underrepresentation of scientific education in her hometown. Fluegel’s experience in Robert Gereau’s lab at WUSM sparked her interest in pursuing both an MD and a PhD. Her research focuses on investigating the potential of cannabinoids as a less-addictive alternative to opioids for chronic pain relief and developing a mouse model to comprehend the pain associated with endometriosis.
Wang, a Biochemistry Major concurrently pursuing a master’s in biochemical engineering, envisions a future where diagnostic testing is accessible and affordable. His submission for the Goldwater Scholarship highlighted his pioneering research in Srikanth Singamaneni’s lab at the McKelvey School of Engineering, which endeavors to enhance the accessibility and affordability of COVID-19 testing by amalgamating techniques from inorganic chemistry, optical physics, and synthetic biology. Wang’s research has been published in the esteemed journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, and he is currently exploring the potential of DNA sequencing in predicting autoimmune disorders.
Brooke Taylor, Assistant Dean of Advising, lauded Li, Fluegel, and Wang as exemplary candidates who epitomize academic excellence, dedication to research, and remarkable potential to contribute to their respective scientific fields.
For Fluegel, the Goldwater Scholarship represents a culmination of her hard work and dedication to scientific inquiry, serving as validation for her accomplishments and underscoring the transformative journey she has undertaken from a small-town upbringing to thriving at WashU.
