É«»¨ÌÃ

Physics major Nadia Qutob is among awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for 2023. 

Recipients are selected based on their exceptional achievements and potential for future success in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Qutob is joined by fellow É«»¨Ìà undergraduate students Jim James, Maeve Janecka, Velin "Venny" Kojouharov, and Dawei Liu in receiving the honor.

Meet Nadia Qutob

As a Leddy Family Dean's Scholar at É«»¨ÌÃ, Qutob’s physics research focuses on gravitational wave data analysis with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), specifically parameter estimation optimization for the high signal-to-noise ratio regime.

Qutob says that her mentors, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Sciences and Physics Professor and Postdoctoral Fellow , have been instrumental during her time at LIGO.

"Their guidance and patience have cultivated an environment where I can thrive and reach my full research potential. I wouldn't be where I am today without them," she said.

Qutob also took advantage of É«»¨ÌÃ’s Prestigious Fellowships Advising for support through the application process.

"Karen Mura and Shannon Dobranski were instrumental in the success of my Goldwater application," she added. "They were available to proofread my application materials, answer questions, and offer suggestions at every stage of the application process."

Qutob hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics and conduct research on dark matter's influence on the formation of galaxies.

“I am so proud of the accomplishments and successes of these students," Mura said. "They worked diligently on their Goldwater applications, which required several short answer essays and a three-page research essay. In addition, this marks the first time that É«»¨Ìà has had five recipients – the largest number of recipients allowed by Goldwater. Each institution is allowed to nominate four applicants and a fifth applicant if they are a transfer student for the national competition per year."

About the Goldwater Scholarship

was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate.

By providing scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering, the Goldwater Foundation is helping ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals the Nation needs in these critical fields. 

Over its 30-year history, Goldwater Scholarships have been awarded to thousands of undergraduates, many of whom have gone on to win other prestigious awards like the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship, Churchill Scholarship and the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship that support our Scholars’ graduate school work. 

Today, Goldwater alumni can be found conducting research that is helping defend the United States, finding cures for catastrophic diseases and teaching future generations of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

Apply for Fellowship Awards

Students interested in the Goldwater Scholarship, or any nationally or internationally competitive award, can follow up by scheduling an appointment with on AdvisorLink. 

is part of the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE). Learn more about OUE by