Goldwater Scholar
Lola Piper ’27 Named Goldwater Scholar
Cell & Molecular Biology Student Earns Nation’s Top Undergraduate STEM Award
The Cell & Molecular Biology Department at Grand Valley State University proudly celebrates Lola Piper ’27 as a 2026 recipient of the highly competitive Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation Goldwater Scholarship. Lola is one of just 454 students selected nationwide, placing her among the most promising undergraduate researchers in the United States.
As a Cell & Molecular Biology major, Lola’s passion for science is driven by a desire to better understand how diseases develop at the molecular level. Her academic work and research experiences have shaped her into an emerging scientist with a strong future in research.
Her selection for the Goldwater Scholarship reflects her exceptional promise and highlights the strong academic foundation and preparation provided through the Cell & Molecular Biology program.
A Future in Cancer Research
Lola Piper, plans to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in research focused on epigenetic regulation in cancer. She aims to lead an independent research program developing new methods to better understand how gene expression is controlled in cancer cells and to advance innovative treatment strategies.
Her work reflects a deep commitment to scientific discovery and improving human health through research.
"I want to develop new ways to understand how cancer works at the genetic level and contribute to better treatments." — Lola Piper ’27
About the Award
WHAT SETS GOLDWATER SCHOLARS APART
- Strong commitment to a research career
- Demonstrated intellectual intensity in STEM
- Potential for significant future contributions to their field
By the Numbers
- 5,000+ applicants
- 1,485 nominees
- 482 institutions
- 454 scholars selected
