Representing fields from neuroscience to immunology, two Pitt juniors have been awarded the 2026 Goldwater Scholarship, the nation\u2019s most prestigious scholarship aimed specifically at STEM students. The awardees bring Pitt\u2019s total number of Goldwater Scholars to 69.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s winners are Katelyn Chen and Alec Scuitto, both students in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the David C. Frederick Honors College.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlec and Katelyn represent the best of the Pitt research community in their talent, dedication, curiosity and drive to change the world,\u201d said Nicola Foote, dean of the David C. Frederick Honors College. \u201cThe Goldwater Scholarship is a great honor and a sign of the clear potential of these exceptional students to contribute to their fields and to society.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Established in 1986 to honor the work of work of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, the Goldwater Scholarship<\/a> provides funding for tuition, books, fees and room and board for the country\u2019s most promising undergraduate researchers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s winners were among the 454 selected from a pool of 1,485 applicants this year for the honor, joining Pitt\u2019s history of awardees including Satyaj Bhargava in 2025<\/a> and Oluwatofunmi Abiola and Richard Fang in 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cFor four decades, the Goldwater Scholarship has served as one of America\u2019s most prestigious national scholarships,\u201d said Chancellor Joan Gabel. \u201cWe are so proud at the University of Pittsburgh to have two students among this year\u2019s scholars, which not only clearly reflects the spirit of \u2018It\u2019s Possible at Pitt,\u2019 but also propels these talented scholars\u2019 trajectory in becoming our nation\u2019s next generation of research leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n Interested in applying for a prestigious award? The Office of National Scholarships and Post-Graduate Success<\/a>, housed in the Frederick Honors College, helps all students across the University applying for national and global scholarships.<\/p>\n Meet the scholars<\/p>\n