USD Math and Physics Major Named a 2024 Barry M. Goldwater Scholar
“I am truly grateful to my mentors—as well as to all the professors that have engaged me in the classroom and championed my learning—for having made this possible for me.” -Lila Fowler
Second-year math and physics major, Lila Fowler, has been named a 2024 Goldwater Scholar. The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to support students with outstanding academic records, demonstrated research experience, and commitment and potential to make a significant contribution to the fields of mathematics, natural sciences or engineering. Scholars are chosen from a national pool of studens nominated by their home institutions, and receive up to $7,500 per year for up to two years. Lila is one of the fewer than 20% of scholars to receive a two-year grant.
Lila’s research interest is mathematical modeling of physical systems. As project manager for a team working in a national laboratory, she led the development of a multi-fidelity model for computationally efficient simulation of a fluid flow problem. Her current project, in the lab of Associate Professor of Physics and Biophysics Chad Kishimoto, PhD, involves solving quantum-kinetic equations to understand neutrino flavor evolution in the early universe.
Lila credits her success to the close relationships she has been able to develop with math and physics faculty at the University of San Diego. “My professors are engaged in their own fields and deeply invested in bringing students into the fold. I learn by asking questions, and at USD I am always pushed to keep looking for answers.”
She met her advisor, Professor of Mathematics Lukasz Pruski, PhD, when she began taking his math classes as a high school student. “Dr. Pruski has never accepted anything less than my best effort. His faith in my potential set me on my path to a career in research,” she says.
Along with Dr. Pruski, Lila’s decision to apply for Goldwater was supported by Associate Professor of Mathematics Adam Boocher, PhD, himself a past Goldwater Scholar, and Dr. Chad Kishimoto. “I am truly grateful to my mentors—as well as to all the professors that have engaged me in the classroom and championed my learning—for having made this possible for me.”