Two Fairfield University undergraduates, Emily Alfonso-Olmos ’27 and Ethan Chow ’27, have been named recipients of the highly competitive Barry Goldwater Scholarship, an award for undergraduate students pursuing research careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
According to the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation's website, “The Goldwater Scholarship Program, one of the oldest and most prestigious national scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics in the United States, seeks to identify, encourage, and financially support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming this Nation’s next generation of research leaders in these fields."
2026 Fairfield University Goldwater Scholarship Recipients
Mechanical Engineering Major Emily Alfonso-Olmos ’27
Emily Alfonso-Olmos ’27, a student in Fairfield’s School of Engineering and Computing, is majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics. She conducts research on laser-based optical flow diagnostic systems under the mentorship of David Shekhtman, PhD, assistant professor of mechanical engineering. Alfonso-Olmos plans to pursue a PhD in mechanical engineering. According to Dr. Shekhtman, “The Goldwater scholarship is a statement of the drive to advance science and engineering by both Emily and the Fairfield University School of Engineering and Computing.”
Alfonso-Olmos noted the scholarship not only provides financial support, but also opens doors for her to further her education. “As a first-generation college student, [the scholarship] also represents a major accomplishment for my family,” she said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to know that all the sacrifices and encouragement from my parents are paying off, and that I can continue working toward a future where I can support them as well.”
Physics Major Ethan Chow ’27
Ethan Chow ’27 is an Honors Program student in the John Charles Meditz College of Arts & Sciences. A physics major with a minor in mathematics, he conducts research on extreme precipitation under the mentorship of Rob Nazarian, PhD, associate professor of physics and founding director of the Center for Climate, Coastal, and Marine Studies. Chow plans to pursue a PhD in climate and atmospheric physics.
Expressing sincere gratitude for Dr. Nazarian and those who guided him in the application process, Chow said, “Receiving this scholarship changes the way I see my future research—as a form of motivation to publish my work and to share it with the academic community.”
