Show-Me State Times

Two students from Saint Louis University, Liz Pfau and Natalie Walsh, have been awarded Goldwater Scholarships following an extensive application process. The Goldwater Scholarship is a national undergraduate award for students in STEM fields who plan to pursue careers in STEM research after graduation.

Pfau, a junior majoring in chemistry, aims to earn a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. She plans to conduct research on physiological responses to stress to enhance the understanding of chronic stress and intends to teach at the university level. Recently, she won the Sloane Prize for Undergraduate Research at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference for her presentation titled "Student Mindsets and the Effect of Intervention in Undergraduate Chemistry Students," which was conducted under SLU Associate Professor of Chemistry Asmira Alagic, Ph.D. Pfau also serves as an organic chemistry learning assistant, a PATH mentor, and is part of the Honors Program.

Walsh, a junior Life Sciences major, plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Genetics/Epigenetics. Her research focuses on gene expression regulation and epigenetic editing with aspirations of teaching at the university level. She conducts research in SLU biology professor Edwin Antony's lab, studying oxidoreductase and how the DPOR enzyme facilitates long-range electron transfer to produce chlorophyll precursors. Walsh received a poster award at the inaugural Saint Louis University Bio-Chem Symposium for her work and is a co-author of an associated publication. She is also set to become president of the Honors Student Association, serves as a PATH mentor, and participates in the Honors Program.

Both students will receive $7,500 towards their tuition and fees.

The Goldwater Foundation awarded 438 new scholarships in 2024 out of 1,353 applicants. Over its 30-year history, many Goldwater Scholars have gone on to win other prestigious awards such as the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship and Rhodes Scholarship.