Department of Physics & Astronomy

Five thousand U.S. higher-education students applied, 1,267 applicants moved on to be nominated, and 413 of those nominees were awarded the 2023 Barry Goldwater Scholarship — three of them being UC Riverside Highlanders. 

Since 2013, Goldwater Scholarships have been awarded to 18 Highlanders. 

This scholarship recognizes talented undergrads majoring in natural science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, who have hopes of pursuing graduate studies. The award covers eligible expenses for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and housing. Candidates have a strong commitment to research and undergo a rigorous application process. They must also earn endorsement by UCR's Prestigious Scholarship and Awards Office in Undergraduate Education and a faculty committee.  

Honoring Sen. Barry Goldwater (1909-1998), this scholarship was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers in STEM and is open to second- and third-year students. To learn more about the Goldwater application process and deadlines, visit engage.ucr.edu. 

Highlander Awardees of 2023 Goldwater Scholarship 

Rayyan Ayoub

 • Pursuing a B.S. in bioengineering, expected to graduate from UCR in 2024, and hoping to pursue a Ph.D. in bioengineering at UCSF or UCLA. 

 • Other awards: Undergraduate Research Mini-Grant and Travel Award 

"Winning the Barry Goldwater Scholarship has been a pivotal moment in my academic journey, providing me with a life-changing opportunity to not only showcase my passion for STEM but also gain the skills, resources, and network to help me prepare for graduate school and pursue a successful career in research.” - Ayoub

Peter Carney

 • Pursuing a B.S. in physics, expected to graduate from UCR in 2024, and hoping to pursue a Ph.D. in physics at an undetermined institution. 

 • Other awards: Carl A. Rouse Research Fellow awarded from Caltech, Outstanding first- and second-year undergraduate student in UCR Physics and Astronomy, and research fellowship at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland for summer 2023 

“Working on the application was me working on myself and reflecting on all the cards I’ve been dealt. It’s a blessing to see preparation meet opportunity, and that I get to represent the UC Riverside physics community. To all who have helped me on my journey towards success, I’m more grateful than words can express.” - Carney

Ibrahim Maaz

 • Pursuing a B.S. in biochemistry, expected to graduate from UCR in 2024, and hoping to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry at an undetermined institution.

 • Other awards: 2022-23 Chancellor’s Research Fellow  

“I am extremely honored and proud to be selected as a Goldwater recipient, it means a great deal to me to be able to represent UCR on the national stage and be awarded such a prestigious scholarship. I had a great support system and am very thankful for having a fantastic mentor in Dr. Jernej Murn who was an immense help to me in this process, allowing me to grow and be independent as a researcher, I would also like to thank Gladis (Herrera-Berkowitz, director of student engagement for Undergraduate Education) for all of her help; she was pivotal in organizing the whole application process and supporting all the applicants, and Jennifer (A. Kavetsky, writing center coordinator for Undergraduate Education) for assisting with and helping to edit the proposal.”  - Maaz

AUTHOR: MALINN LOEUNG 

April 5, 2023