Two Fairfield University undergraduates, Emily Alfonso-Olmos ’27 and Ethan Chow ’27, have been named recipients of the highly competitive Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious award for undergraduate students pursuing research careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Goldwater Scholarship Recipients
Emily Alfonso-Olmos ’27
Emily Alfonso-Olmos ’27, a student in the School of Engineering and Computing, is majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics. She conducts research under the mentorship of David Shekhtman, PhD, assistant professor of mechanical engineering. Alfonso-Olmos plans to pursue a PhD in mechanical engineering.
Ethan Chow ’27
Ethan Chow ’27 a student in the John Charles Meditz College of Arts & Sciences, is a physics major with a minor in mathematics and a member of the Honors Program. He conducts research 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.
“The Goldwater Scholarship is the most prestigious award for undergraduate STEM researchers,” Dr. Nazarian said “Our two awardees join an exclusive group of scholars who have gone on to make significant advances in science, and I have no doubt they will make important discoveries of their own.”
About the Goldwater Scholarship
According to the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, “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.”
Commitment to Undergraduate Research
This recognition highlights Fairfield University’s commitment to excellence in undergraduate research, and its continued support of students pursuing advanced study and innovation in STEM fields.
Both students will continue to build on their current research, advancing their respective field though ongoing study and future doctoral level work.
