Three students named Goldwater Scholars

Three undergraduate researchers from Northwestern University have been awarded the 2023 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, an honor that supports students who intend to pursue careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.

This year’s Goldwater Scholars are Levi Hoogendoorn, Kaitlyn Hung and Carol Magalhaes. They represent the scientific talent essential to ensuring the U.S. maintains its global competitiveness and security, according to the Department of Defense (DoD) National Defense Education Programs. The DoD partners with the Goldwater Foundation on the scholarship program.

A total of 413 Goldwater Scholars were chosen this year on the basis of academic merit from 1,267 natural science, engineering and mathematics students nominated by 427 colleges and universities nationwide. Many of this year’s scholars have published their research in leading professional journals and have presented their work at professional society conferences.

“I am happy to participate in the success of Northwestern students in the Goldwater Scholarship program,” said LaTanya Veronica Williams, associate director for STEM in the Office of Fellowships. “Each student worked hard on her application, and, as the campus representative, I enjoyed guiding them through the process. All three should have great success in their future careers.”

Levi Hoogendoorn

Levi Hoogendoorn was born in the Netherlands and moved to Minnesota with her family as a 6-year-old.

She is a triple major in mathematics, materials science and the Integrated Science Major, a rigorous honors major. A fencer, Hoogendoorn successfully balances Division I athletics with academics and research.

She is conducting research in the materials science lab of Professor Mark Hersam and earlier conducted summer research at Vanderbilt University. Hoogendoorn received the Northwestern Outstanding Materials Science Sophomore Award, the Excellence in Mathematics by a First Year and the selective Kabiller award given to outstanding student-athletes. She prioritizes outreach as a student mentor and advisor.  

Kaitlyn Hung

Kaitlyn Hung began her immersion into science as a fourth-grade student in California engrossed with geology and engineering as part of a team building sturdy balsa wood structures.

After a move to Washington state, Hung pursued sports as a member of the high school girls crew team and taekwondo; she currently holds a blackbelt.

A biology major with a focus on human health and disease, Hung is pursuing her senior thesis in the lab of Professor Richard Morimoto. She conducted off-campus research as a sophomore at the Buck Institute in California. Hung is devoted to outreach as a member of the Books and Breakfast program, the Science Research Workshop and the community service and speaker committees of the Northwestern Neuro Club.

Carol Magalhaes

Carol Magalhaes was born in Brazil but always dreamed of going abroad. At age 14, she came to the U.S. for an English literacy program which led to her receiving an IB diploma at a Minnesota boarding school.

Upon her arrival at Northwestern during COVID-19 shutdowns, Magalhaes joined Acorn Genetics and began virtual research. She conducted cellular aging research in the lab of Professor George Church at Harvard University for six months and continues aging research in the lab of Professor Francesca Duncan.

A biology major, Magalhaes has received external research funding and presented her work at conferences. She also is a leader at the national level as co-moderator for the DNA Deviants journal club and co-founder of Dojo House, a co-living community for young scientists.