Four MIT ascending seniors have been chosen to receive the 2025 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, among them Avani Ahuja and Jacqueline Prawira from the School of Engineering, while Julianna Lian and Alex Tang hail from the School of Science. Approximately 5,000 college sophomores and juniors nationwide were nominated for the scholarships, with only 441 being selected.
The Goldwater Scholarships have been awarded since 1989 by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. These grants have assisted undergraduates who progress to become prominent scientists, engineers, and mathematicians in their fields of expertise.
Avani Ahuja, a major in mechanical and electrical engineering, engages in research within the Conformable Decoders group, concentrating on creating a “wearable conformable breast ultrasound patch” to enhance accessibility to breast cancer ultrasounds.
“Engaging in research at the Media Lab has profoundly influenced me, particularly in how we approach inclusivity in research,” Ahuja states.
In her research group, Ahuja collaborates with Canan Dagdeviren, the LG Career Development Professor of Media Arts and Sciences. She aims to pursue a PhD in electrical engineering, intending to conduct research in electromechanical systems for applications centered on women’s health and to teach at the academic level.
“I want to express my gratitude to Professor Dagdeviren for all the support. It is an honor to be awarded this scholarship, and it is wonderful to see recognition for women’s health research,” Ahuja shares.
Julianna Lian investigates mechanochemistry, organic, and polymer chemistry in the laboratory of Professor Jeremiah Johnson, the A. Thomas Guertin Professor of Chemistry. Alongside her studies, she contributes to the MIT community as an emergency medical technician (EMT) with MIT Emergency Medical Services, is involved with MIT THINK, and holds the position of ClubChem mentorship chair.
“Receiving this honor has presented an incredible chance to not only reflect on how much I have acquired, but also on the many individuals I have learned from,” Lian remarks. “I am profoundly thankful for the mentorship, encouragement, and support of these educators, mentors, and friends. I am thrilled to continue the enduring curiosity and enthusiasm for chemistry they have instilled in me.”
Lian’s aspirations after graduation include pursuing a PhD in organic chemistry, focusing on research at the intersection of synthetic chemistry and materials science, facilitated by computational methods, and teaching at the university level.
Jacqueline Prawira, majoring in materials science and engineering, entered the Center of Decarbonization and Electrification of Industry as a first-year Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program student and became a co-inventor on a patent and a research technician at the spinout firm Rock Zero. She has also collaborated with Indigenous farmers and Diné College students in the Navajo Nation.
“I have become much more aware of how I listen to people and their narratives, the intricate challenges of real-world issues, and the essential skills required to address complex sustainability challenges,” Prawira shares.
Prawira is guided by Yet-Ming Chiang, a professor of materials science and engineering. Her professional objectives include obtaining a PhD in materials science and engineering to explore sustainable materials and processes that can address environmental challenges and establish a sustainable society.
Alex Tang examines the impact of immunotherapy and targeted molecular therapy on the tumor microenvironment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. He is mentored by professors Jonathan Chen at Northwestern University and Nir Hacohen at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
“My mentors and collaborators have been vital to my development since I joined the lab as a freshman. I am deeply appreciative of the generous mentorship and support from Professor Hacohen and Professor Chen, who have shown me how to approach scientific inquiry with curiosity and precision,” says Tang. “I would also like to thank my advisor, Professor Adam Martin, and my first-year advisor, Professor Angela Belcher, for their guidance throughout my undergraduate journey so far. I look forward to advancing this work as I move forward in my career.” Tang plans to pursue physician-scientist training after graduation.
The Scholarship Program honoring Senator Barry Goldwater was established to identify, encourage, and financially support exceptional undergraduates aiming for research careers in sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The Goldwater Scholarship stands as the premier undergraduate award of its kind in these disciplines.