OSU student awarded Goldwater Scholarship

Monday, April 2, 2018

Oklahoma State University student Sage Becker has been awarded a 2018 Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious national honors recognizing high achievers who seek research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

Becker, who’s been extremely active in research since she started at OSU, is a junior from Keota, Iowa, majoring in animal science with a concentration in animal biotechnology and a minor in biochemistry. She was a member of the Animal Science Freshman Research Scholars program, the Wentz Research Scholars program and is currently a Niblack Research Scholar. Her latest research focuses on the development of immune-boosting alternatives to antibiotics.

"I am beyond excited and blessed to have this opportunity,” said Becker. “Research is my passion, but this honor wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of my family, my mentors Dr. Glenn Zhang and Kelsy Robinson, the Animal Science Department, CASNR and OSU."

Becker also serves as an ambassador for the Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research at OSU, where she regularly volunteers at recruiting events to talk to prospective students and their families. She’s an enthusiastic promoter of undergraduate research and readily shares her OSU research experiences with incoming students.

After graduation, Becker plans to pursue a doctorate in animal immunology and genetics, and conduct research in animal immunology with a focus on improving animal (and potentially human) health.

Becker is OSU’s 21st Goldwater Scholar. She was selected from a field of nearly 1,300 students who were nominated from 455 institutions in the United States. The one- and two-year Goldwater scholarships cover tuition, fees, books, room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater. Today, Goldwater alumni can be found conducting research that is helping defend the nation, find cures for catastrophic diseases, and teaching future generations of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.