Alexandra Ballow, a junior mathematics and physics double major at YSU, is among only 396 college students nationwide to receive the Goldwater Scholarship this year, from a field of 1,343 mathematics, science and engineering students from 461 colleges and universities. In total, 16 Ohio residents were selected. Ballow will receive a $7,500 one-year award.

Ballow completed research at the Berkeley National Labs for the past two summers under the advisement of Alina Lazar, professor of Computer Science, and has worked on research problems under the advisement of Alicia Prieto, associate professor of Mathematics, since her first semester at YSU, and more recently Physics faculty members, Donald Priour and Michael Crescimanno.

“Research with faculty has defined my YSU experience," Ballow said. "I have been doing research on campus since my first week here. I will never be able to thank all of these mentors, especially those who took a risk on my abilities. I would never have even applied for this award without them.” Ballow plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics after graduating YSU. Her career goals include teaching at the university level and conducting research in how abstract algebra relates to quantum mechanics.

She is the eighth YSU student to receive the Goldwater Scholarship since 1997. Four students have also received honorable mentions. All 12 have also been members of the YSU Honors College.

“The award serves as a testament to both Alex's dedication to developing broad research experiences and amazing YSU faculty members who enabled her to have these opportunities,” said Tom Wakefield, chair of Mathematics and campus Goldwater representative. “My thanks to her advisors, Drs. Lazar and Prieto, as well as all YSU faculty and staff who work tirelessly to provide our students with opportunities and experiences that are unparalleled.”

Established in 1986, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program is named in honor of the former U.S. senator who served for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the Senate. The purpose of the program is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians and engineers by awarding one- and two-year scholarships—covering the cost of tuition, books and room and board up to $7,500 a year—to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields.

This article originally appeared in YSU News. Click the link to see the article: https://ysu.edu/news/ysu-students-earn-top-national-global-honors