South Middlesex Times

Four Rutgers University-New Brunswick students have been selected as Goldwater Scholars, a prestigious national honor for undergraduates who plan to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Elisa Bu Sha, Julianne Chan, Anisha Jackson, and Annie Wei are the accomplished scholars who have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective fields of study.

Rutgers-New Brunswick was commended for its commitment to supporting undergraduate research across disciplines by Anne Wallen, the director of the Office of Distinguished Fellowships at Rutgers-New Brunswick. Francine Conway, the Rutgers-New Brunswick Chancellor-Provost, expressed pride in the students' accomplishments, stating, “Our community is so proud of their accomplishments and so honored to have provided the resources that helped them succeed.”

Elisa Bu Sha, a junior in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, shared her transformative experience at a camp at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, saying, “It was such an impactful experience for me to learn about how medicine can impact people’s lives.” Bu Sha's dedication to research and medicine has been evident through her work in neurobiology.

Julianne Chan, an environmental engineering student, has focused her research on water quality, particularly microplastic concentrations in wastewater. Chan's passion for engineering stems from its practical nature and its potential to make a positive impact on society. She aspires to earn a doctoral degree in environmental engineering and become a university professor to contribute to the field.

Anisha Jackson, a biomedical engineering student, is dedicated to stem cell research and regenerative tissue engineering. Jackson aims to expand treatment options for fatal diseases through her innovative research in stem cell differentiation. She expressed her excitement about being recognized as a Goldwater Scholar and highlighted the scholarship's role in supporting her future academic endeavors.

Annie Wei, a junior with a strong interest in mathematics, excelled in a graduate-level math course, demonstrating her exceptional skills and passion for the subject. Wei intends to pursue a doctoral degree in mathematics with a focus on geometry and analysis. She explained her fascination with breaking down complex concepts into smaller pieces to gain a deeper understanding of mathematical principles.

The achievements of these four scholars underscore Rutgers-New Brunswick's commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. The Goldwater Scholarship program recognizes their exceptional talent and dedication to advancing knowledge in their respective fields, setting them on a path towards successful research careers.