Out of 413 awardees and 1,267 applicants spread across 427 institutions, four Iowa State students were chosen for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship for their academic strengths in mathematics, natural science and engineering.

The 2023 scholars for the Goldwater Scholarship were Daniel Howell, a senior in chemistry, Victoria Kyveryga, a senior in chemical engineering, Nicholas Oldham, a senior in materials engineering, and Henry Thomas, a senior in chemistry.

Out of 413 awardees, four Iowa State students were chosen for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship for their academic strengths in mathematics, natural science and engineering.

The scholarships are awarded by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation to encourage exceptional undergraduate students to pursue careers in STEM research, according to Inside Iowa State.

The 2023 scholars for the Goldwater Scholarship were Daniel Howell, a senior in chemistry, Victoria Kyveryga, a senior in chemical engineering, Nicholas Oldham, a senior in materials engineering, and Henry Thomas, a senior in chemistry.

The foundation accepted 1,267 applicants spread across 427 institutions. The scholarship awards the cost of tuition and fees, books and room and board, which amount to a maximum $7,500 each year.

Howell stated in an email interview with the Daily that the scholarship is intended for students that demonstrate an aptitude and desire to pursue a research career in a STEM field. The scholarship looks at whether the applicant has extensive research experience as an undergraduate and the probability that they will perform high-quality research in the future, according to the scholarship website.

“Things that can help demonstrate this include having a largely independent research project, being a coauthor on a scientific publication or having experience presenting research at symposiums or conferences,” Howell stated.

Howell stated that within the essays, reviewers look for dedication and desire to pursue research and the ability to think critically, solve problems and deal with setbacks in the context of research.

Oldham stated he applied because he is proud of the research he has done and has had many supporters who made him realize his potential.

“I’m very proud of the research that I have been involved in on campus over the last year and a half,” Oldham stated.

Oldham stated he has had many great mentors and supporters who have taught and guided him and helped his potential as a scholar and young professional.

Oldham stated he refrained from applying for the Goldwater Scholarship because of his lack of confidence in earning it as a sophomore. Oldham said he was younger in age compared to most applicants.

“I applied for the scholarship because I knew I had a good application now, and in the process of applying, I could develop a great application for later when I could apply as a junior,” Oldham stated.

Kyveryga stated in an email interview with the Daily that the application process consists of a research essay to showcase your supplemental writing and research skills, adding that a complete application consists of a research essay, which is meant to display the applicant’s technical writing abilities and provide insight into research goals and passions.

“There are also a few supplemental essays about the applicant and [their] experience,” Kyveryga stated. “The last component includes three letters of recommendation from mentors who can speak to the applicant’s research ability.”

The Goldwater scholarship is awarded every year to undergraduate STEM students with a background in extensive research and a plan to pursue a career in STEM research.

To apply, visit goldwaterscholarship.gov or email John Milstead, coordinator of nationally competitive awards, at [email protected].