NEWS

Four Louisiana Tech University undergraduate students have been nominated to participate in a national competition for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation’s scholarship.

The scholarship program honoring Senator Barry Goldwater was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers in the fields of the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The Goldwater Scholarship is the preeminent undergraduate award in these fields.

“The linking of the Goldwater name with Louisiana Tech is a validation of our STEM programs and the students who come to Tech to participate in them,” said Joe Koskie, Director of the Honors College at Louisiana Tech. “I’m excited for our field of candidates this year and thank the faculty who have expertly prepared them to step out onto this stage.”

The students nominated include Trilby Hill, a sophomore from Bogalusa double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Math; Landon Ossman, a sophomore from West Monroe majoring in Biology; Jake Touchet, a sophomore from Lake Charles double majoring in Computer Science and Math; and Jesse Webb, a junior from Calhoun double majoring in Physics and Music. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to work with our outstanding undergraduate research students here at Louisiana Tech,” said Kristi Stake, Louisiana Tech Coordinator of Nationally Competitive Scholarships. “What these students are accomplishing in STEM research is remarkable, and the University should be proud of their endeavors.”

The four students nominated will submit a lengthy application, which covers their past research experiences, presentation and publication experiences, and their future plans for research as a career as well as a future research proposal describing a research endeavor they would like to undertake.

“The nomination of these four exceptional students for the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship is a witness to the caliber of academic excellence and research innovation at Louisiana Tech,” said Dr. Sumeet Dua, Louisiana Tech’s Executive Vice President for Research. “Their dedication to advancing in the realms of natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics mirrors our institution’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking research and academic leadership. This recognition is not just an honor for the students, but it also highlights the supportive and enriching environment our university provides for nurturing future leaders in STEM fields.”