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  • February 5, 2024
  • Marketing and Communications staff

Three students majoring in a STEM discipline have been recommended by SUNY Fredonia to apply for a Barry Goldwater Scholarship valued at $7,500 to help them pursue a research career in the natural sciences, mathematics or engineering.

All sophomores, they are:

  • Sydney Hawkins, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, from Ripley, NY.

  • Rebecca Piede, majoring in Mathematics and Adolescence Education: Mathematics, from Fredonia, NY.

  • Isabelle Price, majoring in Biochemistry with a chemical emphasis concentration, from Rochester, NY.

“The fact that they were able to apply for this award is a reflection of how exceptional they are,” said Department of Geology and Environmental Sciences Associate Professor Thomas Hegna. Each student either got involved in research as a first-year student or has been on a research track since enrolling at SUNY Fredonia.

Universities are allowed to nominate up to four candidates. “Each is exceptional, and I would put them each up against candidates from any other school,” remarked Dr. Hegna, who was a recipient of a Goldwater scholarship as a junior at the University of Iowa.

Last year, Gabrielle Cruz, then a junior from Fredonia majoring in Molecular Genetics, was one of just over 400 students nationwide chosen to receive a $7,500 Goldwater Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year.