The Goldwater Scholarship is the oldest and most prestigious national award in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics in the United States. It identifies, encourages, and financially supports college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming the next generation of research leaders.

Lola Piper ’27, a Cell and Molecular Biology major, is a Goldwater Scholar—one of only 454 students selected across the United States.

Key Achievement

• Awarded the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of only 454 students selected nationwide.
• Recognized for exceptional promise in scientific research and dedication to a future research career.

Research Focus

• Developing new methods to understand epigenetic regulation in cancer.
• Aims to advance cancer treatment strategies through independent research.

About the Goldwater Scholarship

• Oldest and most prestigious national award for undergraduates in science, engineering, and mathematics.
• Selects students demonstrating:
  • Strong commitment to a research career
  • Intellectual excellence in STEM
  • Potential for significant contributions to their field

Celebrating GVSU Excellence

• Lola continues a tradition of Goldwater Scholars at GVSU.
• Her achievement highlights the strength of undergraduate research programs and the dedication of faculty mentors.

Learn more about the scholarship here.