‘Vigil’ by acclaimed author George Saunders kicks off the new Campus Reading Program
May 13, 2026
Two Northwestern undergraduates from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences — Nico Bers and James Zhang — have earned the 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, an honor that supports students who plan to pursue careers in the natural sciences, math and engineering.
This year, a total of 454 Goldwater Scholars were chosen from among more than 5,000 undergraduates across the nation. Many of the scholars have published their research in leading professional journals and presented their work at professional society conferences. Almost all plan to pursue a Ph.D.
Nico Bers
Junior Nico Bers conducted research with the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA), working in the group of Professor Vicky Kalogera. He was mentored by former CIERA Fellow (NASA Einstein Fellow) Sylvia Biscoveanu, now a faculty member at Princeton University. He also is currently conducting research with Professor Elena Murchikova and Research Assistant Professor Mark Gorski.
Looking ahead, Bers plans to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics and build a career as a researcher and professor, advancing the study of high-energy astrophysical phenomena and cosmology at the university level.
“The Goldwater Scholarship is extremely meaningful to me as it recognizes my research as an undergraduate and inspires me to pursue graduate school in astrophysics,” said Bers. “I am honored to be in the 2026 cohort along with incredible peers across various STEM fields.”
James Zhang
Majoring in data science, mathematics, and the Integrated Science Program, junior James (Jimmy) Zhang has conducted research with Professor Adilson Motter in the Center for Network Dynamics.
Next year, he plans to complete a senior thesis and begin a Ph.D. in statistics, focusing on scientific applications of machine learning.
“The rapid growth in available scientific data presents an exciting opportunity to understand complex phenomena using modern, AI-guided tools,” he said. “I am grateful to receive this recognition in support of my future academic goals.”
Learn more about the Goldwater Scholarship and other opportunities by contacting Northwestern’s Office of Fellowships.
