We're pleased to announce that five Drexel students have been nominated for the 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholarship. This award recognizes top undergraduates in science, math, and engineering fields who are planning to pursue research careers and have the potential to be leaders in their fields. The scholarship provides funding for their final year or two of undergraduate study. These five outstanding students were selected to represent Drexel University in the national Goldwater Scholarship competition. We congratulate them on submitting their applications and wish them the best of luck!
Olivia Chiarini, physics ’27
Olivia Chiarini is a rising senior at Drexel University who began her college career at University of Maryland, Baltimore County before transferring to Drexel in 2025. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Physics with a minor in computer science, her previous research experience involves satellite scheduler algorithms, observational astronomy, data reduction for ground-based observatories, density functional theory for protective films in a museum environment, and searching for dark matter through neutrino detection.
Jaden Drumm, biological sciences ’27, Honors
Jaden Drumm is a junior biological sciences major with minors in psychology and Spanish. He plans to become a physician-scientist, applying translational research on the tumor microenvironment to the operating room and clinical setting. Jaden has conducted extensive research on prostate cancer metastasis in the Fatatis Lab at Drexel University College of Medicine. He is active in the Honors Program, Supernova Undergraduate Research Fellows Program, and as a UREP Ambassador.
Sophia Medori, biological sciences ’28, Honors
Sophia is a third-year undergraduate student majoring in biological sciences with minors in biochemistry and business administration. Her interests involve cancer biology and the treatment of cancer using immunological and cell therapy approaches. She currently participates in research with the Reginato Lab at the Drexel University College of Medicine to study breast cancer brain metastasis. She also completed a co-op at Century Therapeutics where she worked with the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into alpha beta T-cells.
Sophia is also part of the BS/MS program and will complete a master's degree in biological sciences. Sophia would like to thank Dr. Mauricio Reginato, Riley Young, and Nusaiba Ahmed for their mentorship during her undergraduate research as well as Dr. Arina Perez, Rachel Bernard, and Sydney Bucher for their mentorship during her co-op.
Dejenae Smith, biological sciences ’27, Honors
Dejenae Smith is a fourth-year student at Drexel University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology and concentrating in ecology, evolution, and genomics. Alongside her major, she is also pursuing a minor in data science. She aspires to become a climate scientist, specializing in the intersections of environmental science, climate, and data analysis. She is currently working with Dr. Megan Phifer-Rixey studying urbanization’s morphological impacts on pollinators and herbaceous flowering plants. Dejenae is also a first-generation Jamaican-American from Philadelphia, and alongside studying the environment, she is dedicated to including more diverse voices in STEM.
As for her involvement, Dejenae is a 2023 STAR Scholar and Honors Student, and is thoroughly involved in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society, and Women's Club Rugby. In her personal time, Dejenae enjoys drawing, reading, and is an avid and experienced Scrabble player, enjoying the game both casually and competitively. She would like to make a special thanks to her mother, whose guidance has not only taught her invaluable life lessons but also instilled in her a commitment to excellence, perseverance, and resilience. Dejenae was awarded a 2025 Udall Scholarship in the environmental category and is also nominated for a 2026 Truman Scholarship.
One additional nominee declined publicity at this stage in the application process.
Special thanks to faculty who sat on the Goldwater Campus Committee, working with Undergraduate Research and Enrichment Programs to review and advise nominees on their applications:
Tiffany Do, PhD, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, CCI
Michelle Dolinski, PhD, Professor of Physics, CoAS
Niharika Sravan, PhD, Assistant Professor of Physics, CoAS
Juan De la Fuente, PhD, Assistant Teaching Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, CoE
We would like to send an additional thanks to those faculty members who participated in anonymous application review, providing written feedback to the candidates.
The Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress in 1986, with the goal of recognizing the nation's top undergraduates in science, technology, engineering, and math fields. The purpose of the Goldwater Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields.
For more information about the Goldwater Scholarship, please visit the Goldwater website or contact UREP at fellowships@drexel.edu.