Bias named OSU's 30th Goldwater Scholar
Friday, March 25, 2022
Media Contact: Jessica Sullins | Director, Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research | 405-744-7313 | jessica.sullins@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University junior Alexandria Bias has been awarded the Goldwater Scholarship, the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship in natural sciences, mathematics and engineering in the nation.
Bias, a native of Orlando, Florida, is triple-majoring in chemical engineering, mathematics and political science. She has been engaged in undergraduate research in mechanochemistry and condensed matter physics labs, and she currently is involved in Dr. Chris Fennell’s computational chemistry and molecular modeling lab as a Niblack Research Scholar.
"This scholarship represents an acknowledgement of my hard work up to this point and the opportunity to pursue future opportunities that may not have been possible otherwise," Bias said. "I am so excited to see what doors are unlocked for future research thanks to the support of OSU in helping me achieve this award.
"I plan to pursue a graduate education, first working for an MPhil at the University of Cambridge through the OSU CEAT W.W. Allen Scholarship, and then achieving a Ph.D. in chemistry so that I can continue doing research and be at the forefront of discovery in a future career in academia."
Bias also has been recognized as a W.W. Allen Scholar, a CEAT Scholar, a member of the President’s Leadership Council, and as a peer mentor in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. She also serves as vice president of the Student Government Association. She plans to pursue a doctorate in chemistry with a focus on the quantum mechanical behavior of chemical reactions.
Bias is OSU’s 30th Goldwater Scholar. She was selected from a pool of 1,242 applicants from 433 institutions across the country, and she will receive up to $7,500 for her recognition as a Goldwater Scholar.
The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a memorial to honor Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona. Today, Goldwater alumni conduct research that helps defend the nation, find cures for catastrophic diseases, and teach future generations of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.
The Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research at OSU has long been a national leader and innovator in scholar development, assisting students in seeking national/international scholarships and fellowships. The office also encourages student-faculty mentoring, undergraduate research, and international travel experience. For more information on the Goldwater Scholarship or other opportunities contact Jessica Sullins at jessica.sullins@okstate.edu or 405-744-7313.