The following information is not a checklist or blueprint to winning a national award, but is rather a list of experiences that an individual can pursue and mold to fit their individual interests. Students should not try to “collect” every type of experience, but should work within a defined area of focus and passion. Students should demonstrate a sustained commitment and attention to documenting impact, whether that is in a field of study, research, or difference made in the community.
Award profile
A scholarship for students seeking a future Ph.D. and research careers in natural
sciences, mathematics, and engineering. In honor of Senator Barry Goldwater, the scholarship aims to ensure the U.S. produces highly-qualified professionals in the fields mentioned previously. Students planning to enter any medical professional fields should not apply unless their future work heavily focuses on research (exampe: MD/PhD).
- Students should look to develop sustained research experience in a defined area of research.
- By the time of application, students must demonstrate significant research experience, which includes the development of original ideas. Simple mastery of technique is not enough. Participation in fields vary, but applicants have had 1-3 years of research experience.
- By the time of application, students must demonstrate the ability to propose new research.
- While the minimum award GPA is 3.0, winning appications from UT San Antonio have had 3.7+ GPA.
Recommended Research Programs
- Research at UT San Antonio: students should look to engage with faculty in research experiences. Examples include working in labs, coursework which features research, independent studies, working in the Makerspace, Aeronautics and Rocket Club.
- NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer programs
- Other external programs: Amgen Scholars, DAAD-RISE Germany.
Recommended Experiences
Bold items represent substantial accomplishments involving significant work. Expectations and viability vary by discipline. Not all Goldwater Scholars have these experiences.
- 1st year:
- Present at UTSA/Regional undergrad research symposia/Honors College Experiential Learning Fair/ UTSA First-Gen Creative Activity & Research Symposium
- Join student organizations and Honors Societies in your discipline
- 2nd and 3rd years:
- Present at a national scientific conference which have dedicated sessions for undergraduates: Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), ABRCMS, NCUR.
- 3rd year:
- Present at a national scientific conference in your field (example: American Chemical Society Conference for Chemistry researchers).
- Co-author or author a paper in a nationally peer-reviewed research journal
- Conduct independent research projects
- Civic engagement in your field: giving presentations at local high schools and museums
- Peer mentoring in your field
Skill development
- Which skills do you need to develop for your research?
- Where can these skills be acquired (at a lab at UT San Antonio, in a lab at an REU site? Through coursework inside your major? Through coursework outside of the sciences?)
Resources
- Read through the Goldwater Foundation’s “Scholar Stories” can provide inspiration as to
how you want to chart and individualize your path: https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/ - Network with Goldwater Scholars at UT San Antonio and other universities through LinkedIn.
