“`html

Annually, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation presents grants to undergraduate scholars in the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics. Among the 441 individuals receiving this honor for the 2025–26 academic term are two Caltech students: Kyle Chen and Indeever Madireddy.

Chen originates from Columbia, Missouri, and is pursuing mechanical engineering with a specialized focus in thermodynamics and energy. Initially, Chen arrived at Caltech uncertain about his chosen major, but he expresses contentment with his decision.

“Fundamental classes in mechanical engineering such as ME 11 and ME 72, along with my summer SURFs [Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships] in relevant fields, have truly broadened my perspective on mechanical engineering and its influence on the planet,” Chen states.

At Caltech, Chen has received guidance from Jean-Philippe Avouac, the Earle C. Anthony Professor of Geology as well as Mechanical and Civil Engineering and associate director of the Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies; Chiara Daraio, the G. Bradford Jones Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics and a Heritage Medical Research Institute Investigator; and Guillaume Blanquart, a professor of mechanical engineering.

“I feel genuinely privileged to have been chosen to receive a Goldwater fellowship. It’s a significant milestone in my professional journey and will hopefully have a lasting effect on my future,” Chen shares.

Madireddy was raised in San Jose and is studying bioengineering. “Bi 1x, the foundational laboratory methods class for bioengineering students, was an incredibly influential course for me,” Madireddy explains. “We conducted some fascinating and meaningful experiments throughout the term that significantly shaped my perspective on science and research.”

Looking ahead to pursue virology or genetics in graduate studies, Madireddy has been guided at Caltech by Pamela Bjorkman, the David Baltimore Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering as well as Merkin Institute Professor; Kaihang Wang, an assistant professor of biology and biological engineering; and Gözde Demirer, the Claire Booth Luce Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering.

“The Goldwater Scholarship represents not only the effort I have invested over the last two years but also the exceptional support I have received from my mentors and educators,” Madireddy mentions. “I am incredibly grateful to have the chance to study and learn from the finest at Caltech.”

The Goldwater Foundation was created by the US Congress in 1986. It first provided scholarships in 1989 and has since awarded funding to 11,162 students according to its 2025 press release. This fellowship honors Barry Goldwater, a longtime senator from Arizona and major general in the Air Force Reserve who ran for the presidency of the United States in 1964. Although Goldwater did not complete a college education, he possessed a fervent enthusiasm for science and technology.

“`