Madison Reporter

Four University of Wisconsin–Madison students have been named winners of 2024 Goldwater Scholarships, the premier undergraduate scholarship in mathematics, engineering, and the natural sciences in the United States. Juniors Katarina Aranguiz and Scott Chang, along with sophomores Max Khanov and Nathan Wagner, have been recognized for their excellence in these fields.

Director of UW’s Office of Undergraduate Academic Awards, Julie Stubbs, expressed her pride in the scholars, saying, “I’m so proud of these four immensely talented scholars and all they’ve accomplished. Their success also reflects well on a campus culture that prioritizes hands-on research experiences for our undergraduates and provides strong mentoring in mathematics, engineering, and the natural sciences.”

The Goldwater Scholarship program aims to encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers. Each scholarship provides up to $7,500 per year for up to two years of undergraduate study. This year, a total of 438 Goldwater Scholars were selected from a pool of 1,353 students nominated by their academic institutions.

Katarina Aranguiz, a junior from Hartford, Wisconsin, is majoring in biochemistry and data science. Scott Chang, also a junior from Hartland, Wisconsin, is majoring in biology and Spanish. Max Khanov, a sophomore from Stillwater, Oklahoma, is majoring in computer science. Nathan Wagner, a sophomore from Madison, Wisconsin, is majoring in physics and mathematics.

Aranguiz plans to pursue a PhD in computational biology, while Chang aims to pursue a dual PhD in microbiology and astrobiology. Khanov plans to pursue a PhD in computer science specializing in artificial neural networks and machine learning. Wagner intends to pursue a PhD in physics and a career at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory researching various fields.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established in 1986 to honor the late Sen. Barry Goldwater and support students in their academic and research endeavors. Goldwater, who served in the U.S. Senate for over 30 years, is remembered for his contributions to education and public service.

The achievements of these four UW–Madison students highlight the institution's commitment to fostering excellence in mathematics, engineering, and the natural sciences.