Media contact: Yvonne Taunton
Rose Albert and Karthik Reddy, both members of UAB’s Honors College and studying in the College of Arts and Sciences, were selected for the competitive award in math and science.Two University of Alabama at Birmingham students have been named 2021 Goldwater Scholars by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.
Rose Albert and Karthik Reddy, both members of the UAB Honors College and studying in the College of Arts and Sciences, join the group of 32 UAB students to date who have been awarded the scholarship.
Each year, UAB may nominate up to four outstanding sophomore and junior students in the science, technology, engineering and math fields for scholarships awarded by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. The foundation grants each recipient a scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year that covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.
Albert is a chemistry major, also pursuing a fast-track master’s degree in public health with a concentration in environmental and occupational health. Her work in the lab of UAB Associate Professor Alexa Mattheyses, Ph.D., has earned her authorship on several published abstracts and a co-authorship on a manuscript currently under review.
Albert plans to pursue a Ph.D. in atmospheric and analytical chemistry with the goal of conducting air quality research and teaching at the university level. The current president of Green Initiative, she was recognized last year as a winner of the Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Scholarship for her dedication to public-facing, environmental science. Albert is a member of the Honors College’s Science and Technology Honors Program.
Reddy is a double major in neuroscience and philosophy. Working in the lab of UAB Assistant Professor Donna Murdaugh, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, Reddy investigates the neural underpinnings of working memory deficits in childhood cancer survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a line of inquiry he plans to continue as he pursues a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience and a career as a researcher.
Reddy has long been involved with the Lakeshore Foundation and United Ability, where he can see the real-world implementation of translational research. A UAB Trailblazer and USGA Senator, Reddy is also a member of the Honors College’s Science and Technology Honors Program.
“The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is the most prestigious math and science award for undergraduates, and I am exceptionally proud Rose and Karthik have been selected for this well-deserved honor,” said Michelle Cook, Ph.D., interim director of UAB’s National and International Fellowships and Scholarships. “This national recognition is also evidence of the exceptional mentoring they have received as undergraduates at UAB.”
The Goldwater Scholarship program began in 1989 with the purpose of encouraging outstanding students to pursue careers in engineering, mathematics and the natural sciences. Since its first award in 1989, the foundation has bestowed thousands of scholarships worth approximately $71 million.
“UAB scholars stand out in a highly competitive selection process, and that speaks volumes about their talent as well as the incredible support and opportunities at UAB,” said UAB Provost Pam Benoit, Ph.D. “I am grateful to our faculty for providing exceptional research opportunities and to the National and International Scholarships and Fellowships team for guiding our students through the awards’ application process.”
Students interested in learning more about nationally competitive scholarships, including Goldwater, should contact fellowships@uab.edu for more information.