Goldwater scholarship
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship was created by Congress to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater and to encourage excellence in the areas of science, engineering, mathematics, and computer science. OSU may nominate up to four students to compete at the national level for the Goldwater Scholarship, with two additional nominations available for US Veteran and transfer students.
2026 Goldwater Scholar
Ceyda Kara - Chemical Engineering
All applications must be submitted by: October 12, 2026
Award
Up to $7,500 for eligile expenses (tuition, fees, room/board,books)
OSU Institutional Deadline: October 12, 2026
(National Deadline: January 30, 2027)
Eligibility
Classification: Sophomore or junior, or senior in the fourth year of a five-year bachelor’s program
3.80 minimum cumulative GPA
United State citizen or permanent resident
Extensive undergraduate research experience
Intent to pursue a research career in the field of mathematics, natural sciences, computer science, or engineering
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What do I need to apply?
Submit the following materials electronically to the Director of Scholar Development by October 12, 2026.
Please note: It is possible to create an account and pre-application on the Goldwater Foundation website. This does not automatically qualify your application for institutional review. You must also submit the application materials listed by the deadline.
- Personal details: Name, address, phone, email, legal state of residence, expected graduation date and undergraduate degree
- Resume (no more than two pages) in which you give information about your educational background, honors, awards, activities, jobs, etc. Please make separate divisions for high school and college.
- List research activities associated with mathematics/natural sciences/engineering in which you have participated, including any conference presentations or publications (or those scheduled).
- Describe your academic and professional goals, including specific graduate programs, research, and/or employment you plan to pursue. How is your undergraduate career at OSU preparing you to reach these goals?
- Essay: In approximately 500 words, discuss a significant issue or problem in your field of study that is of particular interest to you. It is advisable to link any research interests you have proposed or completed to the topic – whether the research was individual or in collaboration with others. Assume that your reader is knowledgeable about your field. The content and style of your essay will be important to the success of your application.
- Additional application components to be submitted electronically to the Director ofScholar Development:
- Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member, department head, or advisor familiar with your work and career potential. If you have been involved in research, one of your recommendations must come from the individual who supervised your work. For confidentiality purposes, please request that your recommenders email their letters directly to the address below.
- An official or unofficial college transcript.
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Oklahoma State University's Goldwater Scholars
- 1989- Ward H. Thompson (Physics)
- 1990- Michael C. Oehrtman (Mathematics)
- 1991- Ross S. Keener (Biochemistry)
- 1994- Belinda S. Bashore (Chemistry)
- 1994- Michael E. Holcomb (Mathematics)
- 2000- Mario D. White (Mathematics, History)
- 2001- Scott Wise (Electrical Engineering)
- 2002- Bryan McLaughlin (Electrical Engineering)
- 2003- Ashleigh Hildebrand (Chemical Engineering, Philosophy, Chemistry)
- 2003- Cassie Mitchell (Chemical Engineering)
- 2004- Ryan Scott (Physics, Mathematics)
- 2004- Nick Rasmussen (Zoology)
- 2006- Melinda Hale (Mechanical Engineering)
- 2008- Renee Hale (Chemical Engineering)
- 2008- Paul Egan (Aerospace Engineering)
- 2008- Ilya “Eli” Sluch (Chemistry, Biochemistry)
- 2009- Ryan Paul (Aerospace Engineering)
- 2010- Lydia Meador (Botany, Microbiology, Biochemistry)
- 2012- Rosa Yorks (Zoology, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics)
- 2017- Nick Nelsen (Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, and Aerospace Engineering)
- 2018- Sage Becker (Animal Science)
- 2019- Christopher Jones (Geology)
- 2019- Jeffrey Krall (Microbiology/ Cell & Molecular Biology, Biochemistry)
- 2019- Cole Replogle (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)
- 2020- Josh Anadu (Environmental Science)
- 2020- Blake Bartlett (Chemical Engineering)
- 2021- Ashley Gin (Biochemistry, Molecular Biology)
- 2021- Collin Thornton (Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering)
- 2021- Alexis Vance (Chemical Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)
- 2022- Alexandria Bias (Chemical Engineering, Mathematics and Political Science)
- 2023- Georgia Eastham (Plant and Soil Sciences, Biochemistry and Chemistry)
- 2023- Charlie Vermeire (Microbiology/Cell and Molecular biology, Biochemistry)
- 2024- Trey Dorrell (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering)
- 2024- Sam Glenn (Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics)
- 2025- Adriahna Blackburn (Microbiology)
- 2025- Nash Nevels (Chemistry)
- 2025- Angelique Robinson (Entomology, Psychology)
- 2026- Ceyda Kara (Chemical Engineering)
Application Packet
Submit all application materials electronically by:
5:00pm Monday, October 12, 2026
Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development & Undergraduate Research
Jessica Sullins, Director