WashU juniors Omar Abdelmoity, Cedric Bruges, Noah Kabbaj, and Marilee Karinshak have been awarded the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a distinguished accolade recognizing students engaged in research in the fields of natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

Omar Abdelmoity, pursuing a degree in biology through Arts & Sciences and an Ervin Scholar, aims to become a medical doctor, working at the convergence of clinical practice, public policy, and research to tackle healthcare inequalities. Hailing from Overland Park, Kan., he is a MARC USTAR scholar investigating genetic variations of Alzheimer’s disease in the Ances lab at WashU Medicine. Additionally, Abdelmoity has researched the increasing rates of suicide among Black youth, conducting studies at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Children’s Mercy Hospital, and the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health. He is involved in the Student Union, serves on the WashU Academic Integrity Board, and is a Gephardt Institute Civic Scholar. Abdelmoity was also recognized as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship for 2025.

Cedric Bruges, a dual major in biology and French from Arts & Sciences, aspires to obtain an MD/PhD in immunology and cancer biology, aiming to develop advanced cell and gene therapies for cancer patients. Residing in Des Peres, Mo., he launched his research career during high school by joining the lab of John F. DiPersio, MD, PhD, the Virginia E. and Sam J. Golman Endowed Professor of Oncology at WashU Medicine. Bruges was also a participant of the WashU Vagelos Fellowship and is currently exploring how CAR-T cell treatments engage with the immune system. He contributes to clinical research at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Emergency Department and co-founded the Washington University Journal of Undergraduate Research, where he serves as editor-in-chief.

Noah Kabbaj, a biology major in Arts & Sciences and a Rodriguez Scholar, intends to pursue a PhD in neuroscience to investigate mental illnesses. A resident of Tallahassee, Fla., he was chosen as a first-year student to participate in the university’s esteemed ENDURE research initiative and is currently a MARC USTAR scholar in the lab of Jordan McCall, PhD, an associate professor of anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. Within the McCall lab, he is researching electroconvulsive therapy to gain insights into the mechanisms that underlie psychiatric conditions and their therapies. Kabbaj leads speaker engagements for TEDx WUSTL and is affiliated with Lock & Chain, the oldest sophomore honorary at WashU.

Marilee Karinshak, who is majoring in environmental studies within Arts & Sciences, aims to secure a PhD in earth system science. She plans to perform geospatial research to anticipate large-scale climate trends and develop effective methods to enhance community resilience. Originating from Lawrenceville, Ga., Karinshak is engaged in the Vierstra lab, where she investigates plant reactions to environmental stressors. She has also explored long-term air pollution impacts in Hampton Roads, Va., as part of the competitive NASA DEVELOP initiative. Furthermore, Karinshak is a member of the WashU varsity women’s soccer team, which captured the national championship in 2024, and is the founder of the Environment in Literature Club.

The article Four students named Goldwater Scholars first appeared on The Source.