Undergraduate wins Goldwater Scholarship for chemistry research

Chatham University student Sam Beall-Dennell '25 was awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship this week in recognition of her research into the effects of electrical fields on chemical reactions.

The ongoing research attempts to answer the question of how electrical fields can be used to control the products of chemical reactions and reduce waste.

Beall-Dennell, who majors in biochemistry and mathematics, was one of 438 recipients selected for the award from 1,353 nominees across 446 academic institutions. Her research advisor, Professor William Pfalzgraff, is Chatham’s campus representative for the Goldwater Scholarship.

The Goldwater Scholarship is given to second- and third-year college students who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. It was established by Congress in 1986 in honor of Senator Barry Goldwater.