Three USD Students Earn Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Three USD students, Katarina Matic, Dylan Gage, and Moriah McLellan, were awarded the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship that supports exceptional undergraduates pursuing research careers in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering. The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation recognizes students with outstanding academic achievements and strong potential to contribute meaningfully to their fields with their research.

USD has a history of producing Goldwater Scholars, and this year’s recipients contribute to that tradition. Director of National Fellowships and Scholarships and Adjunct Professor of Political Science and International Relations Karen Shelby, PhD, highlights not only the students’ accomplishments but also the critical role faculty play in their success.

“I applaud the work of the amazing faculty who are supporting their academic endeavors, and who helped them through the application process,” Dr. Shelby says. 

For the students, the award represents both recognition of their hard work and encouragement for what lies ahead.

“Getting the award felt reassuring and makes me hopeful for challenges ahead, such as applying for graduate school,” says physics and math major Dylan Gage. “I feel deeply appreciative of all the people around me who have sacrificed for my educational pursuits.” 

Chemistry major Moriah McLellan emphasizes the value of being acknowledged for her dedication to research. “It means a lot to be recognized for all of the hard work I have put into doing research and to see how my passion for research can pay off,” says McLellan. “Academically, this scholarship means so much, especially in the midst of so much uncertainty around scientific research. This is really going to have a positive impact when I’m applying to graduate school in the fall.”

Katarina Matic, physics major, credits the support she has received from both her mentor and her family for much of her success. “I would like to thank my research advisor, Dr. Rae Robertson-Anderson. The opportunities she has provided me have expanded my skills and experiences, which ultimately led to this award, and she has shaped how I think about and approach my research questions,” Matic says. “I also want to thank my parents for being able to attend a university such as USD, where there are ample opportunities for undergraduates to be heavily involved in research.”

Gage, Matic and McLellan show the impact of mentorship, opportunity and perseverance, values that are the heart of USD’s academic community.

“I hope that these students apply for future scholarships as their research careers develop, and that other students at USD are inspired to follow their example of enriching their USD experience by applying for scholarships and fellowships,” says Shelby.

All three recipients will be honored at the USD Undergraduate Honors Convocation on Tuesday, May 6, where the university will celebrate their achievements and the ongoing commitment to academic excellence and research innovation across campus.