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Two 91��Ƭ�� students have earned the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s top honors for undergraduates pursuing careers in science, mathematics and engineering.

Eric Boheen ’27, a bioengineering major, and Eben Quenneville ’27, a physics major, were recognized for their research accomplishments and potential as future scientific leaders. The scholarship awards up to $7,500 annually.

Eben Quenneville ’27

“For me, the Goldwater Scholarship is a meaningful validation of the years of work I have poured into research,” says Quenneville. “There have been many late nights balancing coursework with research, so it is incredibly rewarding to have those efforts recognized on a national level.”

Boheen describes the award as both recognition and opportunity.

“It’s a sign that the path I’ve pursued and the work I’ve put in at 91��Ƭ�� has been meaningful in pushing me toward my research goals,” he says. “The scholarship is not only a financial benefit, but also a connection to a vast network of experienced professionals.”

Both students credit early research experiences, strong mentorship and support from the 91��Ƭ�� Office of National Fellowships for helping them reach this milestone. They each participated in Innovation Scholars, the only first-year research and innovation program of its kind in the region and later returned as learning assistants while continuing their research with their Innovation Scholars professors.

Boheen’s experience led to a Research Experience and Apprenticeship Program (REAP) award and independent research in synthetic biology. His work focuses on protein engineering and biomaterials, with applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Eric Boheen ’27

“91��Ƭ�� has been highly encouraging toward students pursuing research within the institution,” says Boheen. “I was given the flexibility to pursue my interests, which kickstarted my research at 91��Ƭ��.”

Quenneville has contributed to a NASA-funded CubeSat mission studying particle interactions in the upper atmosphere and has conducted research in fluid dynamics and mathematical modeling. He has also presented his work at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting.

“91��Ƭ�� gave me the mentorship and opportunities that made this award possible,” says Quenneville.

Looking ahead, both plan to pursue Ph.D. programs and research careers. Boheen aims to expand his work into human gene editing to develop treatments for genetic disorders, while Quenneville plans to study astrophysical plasmas, combining his interests in space science and fluid dynamics.

“More than anything, the scholarship gives me confidence to keep pursuing a research career,” says Quenneville.

Interested in pursuing a Goldwater Scholarship? Learn more about this and other opportunities available through the Office of National Fellowships.