The Office of Prestigious Awards and Student Success is pleased to inform that all five endorsees for the Goldwater Scholarship have received the final award. This feat, made possible by the students’ remarkable research merits, represents a historic first for the University of Florida. Congratulations, Cole English, Jacques “JP” Fleischer, Julia Jamieson, Dorothy Ware, and Izabela Zmirska.
Becoming a Goldwater Scholar is extremely competitive. Each higher education institution may endorse no more than five students per year. The award is intended for sophomore and junior undergraduates who want to pursue research careers in mathematics, natural sciences, or engineering. It is the premier undergraduate scholarship in STEM subjects.
Kelly J. Medley of The Office of Prestigious Awards guided this group of Goldwater Scholars as they worked through the application process. Her favorite aspect about dealing with these pupils was seeing how supportive they were.
“They largely come from different personal and research backgrounds, but they provided each other with constructive feedback and support all along,” Medley said. “That they championed each other throughout is such a testament to who they will all be as future STEM leaders!”
Cole English
Cole English is a third-year student at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. English’s achievements are impressive. He is the first author of several published scientific publications, instructs students and visiting academics, and is now working on more than a dozen projects. His research group is primarily interested in his ideas for mapping protein-DNA interactions.
“I was honored to learn that I was accepted into the Goldwater community,” he says. “I want to use my developing understanding of theory and expanding laboratory expertise to combat human sickness, particularly cancer. Furthermore, because I come from a small, rural town in North Florida, it is critical that I inspire future generations of scientists and professionals from rural backgrounds to aim high and work hard to make a positive difference in the world.”
English intends to pursue a PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology. He wants to specialize in biochemistry research, specifically cancer epigenetics and inventing novel ways for gaining deeper insights into cellular processes. English is also dedicated to working as a lecturer and motivating young scientists.
Jacques “JP” Fleischer
Jacques “JP” Fleischer is a third-year transfer student in the College of Engineering. Much of his research entails becoming acquainted with current technologies. This includes artificial intelligence (AI), which Fleischer is developing to create new data structures, algorithms, and computer language concepts that will help society.
Fleischer wants to get a Ph.D. in computer science, become a professor, and continue researching in a university. As a scientist, he believes passionately in the appropriate use of technology. Fleischer’s research will seek to uncover innovative ways to improve human safety through ethical AI applications, such as developing better traffic patterns. He plans to share his data and methods in an open-source environment to encourage broader collaboration in compassionate technology growth.
Julia Jameson
Julia Jamieson is a third-year College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student. She studied at Pohang University’s Biofabrication and Translational Medicine Lab in South Korea, produced organoids using microfluidic platforms and 3D bioprinting, and joined a community of researchers working to advance extrusion and microfluidic bioprinting.
Jamieson plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. She plans to use her experience to create in vitro models that will improve access to organ-on-a-chip devices. She also aims to promote promising alternatives to animal research and expand her knowledge of bioethical ideas. Jamieson hopes that her future professional path will transform the present standard for noninvasive medical research.
Dorothy Ware
Dorothy Ware is a third-year College of Liberal Arts and Sciences student. Ware’s life altered when her father was diagnosed with bilateral gliosarcoma. This has motivated her to obtain a degree in biochemistry. Her academic path provides her with knowledge and experience that will help her fight cancer. Ware shadows medical professionals, meets with cancer patients, and contributes to UF’s Dream Team non-profit. She was also a Harvard-Amgen Scholar.
“When I was eight, my father passed away of bilateral gliosarcoma, a rare form of brain cancer,” Ware said. “He went through months of grueling treatments that felt more punishing than his terminal diagnosis.” I am inspired to create dignified therapies for people like him, to provide cancer patients with not only more time with their loved ones, but also a less difficult battle against cancer.”
Ware plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. in Immunology. She is driven to make advances in utilizing the immune system to develop revolutionary targeted cancer medicines. Ware is determined to get as knowledgeable as possible in order to save lives.
Izabela Zmirska
Izabela Zmirska is a third-year College of Engineering student. She is fascinated about understanding the physical cues that regulate our nervous system and discovering innovative ways to treat disorders like spinal cord injury. Zmirska has studied with mentors who specialize in biomimetic materials and neural engineering, conducted independent research on T-cell development for immunotherapy applications, and developed a proof of concept for biodegradable gels.
Zmirska intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering after being inspired by her parents’ work with neuropathy patients. Her chosen career path involves performing research at the interface of mechanobiology, neurology, and biomaterials. Her lifelong objective is to use biomaterial therapies to treat illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
