Four students from The Ohio State University have been recognized by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program.
Majd Al-Marrawi, Ben Conrad, Harsha Sanaka and Paolo Sinopoli were named 2025 Goldwater Scholars late last month. Through the prestigious national award for undergraduate researchers in science, math and engineering, scholars receive up to $7,500 per year of their remaining undergraduate education to cover the cost of tuition and other undergraduate expenses. Students are selected based on their academic merit; a strong commitment to a research career in STEM; and leadership in their chosen field.
“I join the entire Ohio State community in congratulating our newest Goldwater Scholars,” said President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. “These students embody our commitment to excellence and leadership, and it is a distinct honor for them to be recognized among the nation’s top talent. As undergraduates, they are already making a remarkable difference through their academics and service, and I’m excited to see them grow not only as scientists, but as leaders on our campus and in their communities.”
Al-Marrawi is majoring in neuroscience with minors in medical pharmacology and disability studies. His research focuses on cancer genetics, where he works alongside Renee Bouley, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and Ruben Petreaca, assistant professor of molecular genetics, to explore the roles of genes involved in DNA repair mechanisms and how mutations in these genes drive cellular transformation and immortalization. Al-Marrawi’s research has resulted in a first-author publication as well as numerous funding opportunities, including the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program and the Undergraduate Research Scholarship.
“Earning this recognition is more than an honor; it is a testament to perseverance, resilience and the unwavering support of my mentors, friends and family who have shaped my journey. The personal and academic setbacks I have faced became catalysts for growth, driving me to embrace challenges as opportunities. This award reaffirms my dedication to advancing research that improves patient outcomes while fostering culturally competent and equitable health care. I am excited to join the Goldwater Scholars community, where I look forward to building on my experiences, learning from others and continuing my passion for science,” Al-Marrawi said.
Conrad is an honors student and Pelotonia scholar majoring in chemistry. Conducting research at Ohio State with Jon Parquette, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, Conrad’s work in targeted drug delivery technology sits at the intersection of chemistry, nanomaterials and oncology. Having participated in Pelotonia, a communal bike ride to raise money for cancer research at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Conrad is inspired by the thousands of people impacted by cancer and wants to improve and save the lives of those patients. His excellence in research and academics has also been honored through numerous chemistry department awards and both the Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Maximus Scholarship.
“I am incredibly honored to receive such an award, and I feel immense gratitude for everyone who has supported my research and learning throughout my life. It is a powerful affirmation of the countless hours that I have put into my research and will push me to keep striving for new advancements with the potential to transform the lives of patients,” Conrad said.
Sanaka is an honors student majoring in biomedical science with a minor in Spanish and is planning for a research career in cancer biology. At Ohio State, he currently works in the lab of Christin Burd, professor of molecular carcinogenesis and chemoprevention, identifying novel approaches to prevent melanoma. In addition, Sanaka supports terminally ill patients as a hospice volunteer; works on the global access to medications crisis with Ohio State’s Chapter of Universities Allied for Essential Medicines; and tutors youth experiencing homelessness with the nonprofit organization Pass the Class. He has been honored through the National Merit Scholarship as well as the university’s Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship and the Maximus Scholarship.
“I believe this recognition more so reflects the incredible mentorship I have been fortunate enough to have received throughout my research experiences than any individual effort. I am very grateful for the unwavering support and opportunities that my mentor, Dr. Christin Burd, and the Biomedical Science Undergraduate Major Program have provided me, and feel reaffirmed in my commitment to pursuing impactful research that benefits all,” said Sanaka.
Sinopoli is an honors student and undergraduate Pelotonia scholar majoring in molecular genetics. He currently studies transfer RNA (tRNA) biology in Professor of Molecular Genetics Anita Hopper’s lab, investigating tRNA trafficking and tRNA introns. Last summer, Sinopoli interned at the National Cancer Institute in Sandra Wolin’s lab, where he analyzed RNA-dependent protein interactions in salmonella. In addition, he has served with Village Book Builders as a virtual mentor in Malawi; helped organize TED talks at Ohio State; and volunteered with the Crisis Text Line. Sinopoli was honored at the Rustbelt RNA Meeting for his top poster presentation and has received several awards from the university’s College of Arts and Sciences and Department of Molecular Genetics.
“Winning the Goldwater Scholarship reflects the exceptional mentorship and training I have received over the years and further strengthens my resolve to pursue a PhD and a career in academic research following graduation,” said Sinopoli.
In all, there were 441 new scholarships awarded to sophomores and juniors from a pool of 1,350 nominated STEM students representing 445 academic institutions. Each institution may nominate only four students (plus one additional transfer student and one additional veteran) for this award.
Since the award’s inception in 1986, Ohio State has produced 77 Goldwater Scholars. This is the sixth time in Ohio State history that four nominees have received the award; the previous five occurred in 2007, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023. In five of the last seven competition cycles, four Ohio State nominees have been named Goldwater Scholars.