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Two scholars from Florida State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, Grace Hickey and Kaya Simmons, have received the 2025 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a distinguished accolade acknowledging exemplary undergraduates pursuing careers in research related to natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
“The consistent achievements of FSU with the Goldwater Scholarship reflect not only the caliber of our students’ research but also the exceptional mentorship they receive from faculty who clarify what being a scientist entails,” stated Jesse Wieland, associate director of the Office of National Fellowships.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation received 1,305 submissions from 445 institutions for the 2024-2025 cycle, bestowing 441 new scholarships. Since its inception in 1986, the initiative has recognized 11,162 scholars for their contributions to scientific progress.
Grace Hickey, a junior from Niceville, Fla., is pursuing dual degrees in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience and Computational Science. Since joining FSU, she has dedicated herself to neuroscience research, establishing the foundation for her Goldwater Scholarship.
Her enthusiasm for neuroscience ignited in high school after perusing “Patient H.M.: A Story of Memory, Madness, and Family Secrets,” which explores the history of lobotomies and a patient who, after a 1953 brain surgery, lost the capacity to form new memories.
“I didn’t always aspire to be a scientist; throughout much of middle school, I actually envisioned becoming a fiction author — but ‘Patient H.M.’ opened the door to neuroscience and the remarkable capabilities of the brain,” remarked Hickey. “It unveiled the complexity of the brain and charted my course.”
For her honors thesis, Hickey is concentrating on the genetic and cellular underpinnings of social behavior with Elizabeth Hammock, associate professor in the Department of Psychology. She has also collaborated on frog mating preferences with Alan Lemmon, professor in the Department of Scientific Computing, and explored insect vision with the Air Force Research Laboratory, where she serves as the lead author on a forthcoming publication.
Hickey commends the Office of National Fellowships (ONF), particularly Jesse Wieland, associate director of the Office of National Fellowships, for their invaluable support in preparing her for such a competitive award application.
“FSU’s overall atmosphere for undergraduates in research is exceptional; numerous professors are eager to involve undergraduates in their laboratories, and these mentors have been instrumental in shaping my experience and aspirations,” she noted. “I recognize that I would not be at this point without the backing of ONF and the incredible educators at FSU.”
Contemplating her journey, Hickey regards this Goldwater Scholarship as both a significant achievement and a motivator for her future in research.
“It’s incredibly affirming to acknowledge that I’m on the right path towards a research career,” she expressed. “Receiving a Goldwater serves as a wonderful reminder that my diligence in academics and research over the past three years is fostering my growth as a scientist, both presently and for the duration of my career.”
Kaya Simmons, a junior from DeLand, Fla., is pursuing a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience, earning a 2025 Barry Goldwater Scholarship for her groundbreaking research on animal behavior.
Her fervor for research took off while working at a local parrot sanctuary during high school, where she engaged with over 100 parrots to tackle behavioral issues.
“The diversity of each bird’s reactions captivated me, prompting inquiries into what motivates behavioral variations within and between species,” said Simmons. “Behavior fundamentally originates with the nervous system, which is why neuroscience particularly captivates me.”
Since her freshman year at FSU, Simmons has participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), laying the groundwork for her 2025 Goldwater Scholarship.
Collaborating with Emily DuVal, professor of Biological Science, Simmons is developing machine-learning methods to analyze the mating displays of Panama’s tropical birds, preparing her for imminent summer fieldwork there. For her honors thesis under Emily Lemmon, professor of Biological Science, she explores how vasotocin, a neural hormone, influences reproductive behavior in female frogs.
Last summer, Simmons was awarded a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Award to investigate climate change’s effects on ground squirrel behavior in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Additionally, she co-established a campus study on bird-window collisions and leads the Spoonbill Society, FSU’s birdwatching club.
“The faculty at FSU have been a significant factor in my accomplishments and ultimately the receipt of this fellowship,” Simmons remarked. “By imparting endless knowledge, encouragement, opportunities, and resources, I have managed to achieve far more than I ever imagined was feasible.”
Pondering the scholarship, she added, “This distinction affirms I’m on the right path toward a research career. It’s a milestone motivating me to persist in pursuing my academic aspirations and make meaningful contributions to science in the long run.”
“Emily and Alan Lemmon, Elizabeth Hammock, and Emily DuVal are steadfast advocates for undergraduates in their research labs, and their faith in their students is priceless during this competitive process,” Wieland concluded. “Grace and Kaya have worked tremendously hard to attain this esteemed recognition, and I am eager to observe where it leads them in their academic and professional journeys.”
To discover more about fellowship opportunities, visit onf.fsu.edu. Applications for the 2025-2026 cycle will commence on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
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