Three UW students out of 1,286 nominees win prestigious scholarship

This year, three UW-Madison students out of the 1,286 total nominated from 470 institutions received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship to award their excellence in science and mathematics.

Of the nominees, 240 received the title of a Goldwater Scholar, and 307 were given an honorable mention, according to a UW-Madison news release.

Among the winners this year are UW-Madison juniors Cory Cotter and Lucas Oxtoby and senior Emily Jewell. This scholarship offers students up to $7,500 to spend on tuition, other related school expenses or research.

“We have about 15 students apply every year for four nomination spots,” Director of Undergraduate Academic Awards Julia Stubbs said. “We have our campus nominating committee comprised of faculty for science and engineering, and they review all completed applications.”

Cotter is majoring in astronomy-physics, computer science, mathematics and physics. After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctorate in astronomy. For the past year and a half, Cotter has conducted research with Ellen Zweibel in the Astronomy-Physics Department at UW-Madison. His current research is centered around galactic wind models.

“I was able to spread out and experience courses across a bunch of different majors [my first and second years],” Cotter said. “It’s fun when you get to use things from math, physics and computer science and see how they all combine together to create complex scenarios, problems and solutions.”

For students who are looking to apply for the Goldwater Scholarship in the future, Cotter said that research is the key factor in receiving the award. Additionally, he recommends working with multiple people in order to diversify the research.

Cotter said there are multiple benefits to earning the scholarship. He explained it will allow him to be recognized for his research and help in his applications to graduate school.

“I’m really honored to receive this scholarship, and it will allow me to continue to do my research and focus on it without having to worry about any financial hardships,” Cotter said.