2018 Student Success

Lockhart Wins Goldwater Scholarship

Sophomore is Double Major in Physics and Mathematics

Story by Glenys Young

An Arts & Sciences student was one of 211 in the United States selected for a Goldwater Scholarship, an award designed to encourage research careers in science, engineering and math.

Madeline Lockhart, a sophomore pursuing a double major in physics and mathematics, was selected from thousands of applicants to become a Goldwater Scholar in 2018. She is the third Goldwater Scholar from Texas Tech in three years and the 36th overall. After earning her doctorate in nuclear physics, Lockhart plans to dedicate her career to conducting research involving nuclear safeguards and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

"The Goldwater Scholarship is a very prestigious award that will help me financially, professionally and personally," Lockhart said. "In addition to the financial support provided by Goldwater, I hope this award will open doors in the pursuit of my future education and career. I have always loved math and science, but this award is a tangible achievement that serves as an indicator that I have the potential to be successful in the path I have chosen.

"As a 2018 Goldwater Scholar, I am very proud: of myself, my school and those who have supported me. I am excited to receive this recognition and am hopeful that one day I will live up to the expectations of those who gave me this award. Most importantly, I am thankful to have been blessed with the amazing people and opportunities God has given me over the last 20 years."

Another Arts & Sciences double major, Nora Chapman, was one of the 281 applicants who received an Honorable Mention. Chapman is a junior pursuing bachelor's degrees in psychology and economics. She plans to earn a doctorate in behavioral economics and conduct research on the behavioral economics in cognitive neuroscience, social psychology and human factors psychology while teaching.

"It's very much an honor to receive the Honorable Mention, especially considering how intense the competition is," Chapman said. "I'm very grateful to be recognized in this way. I would like to thank Wendoli Flores, our representative for the scholarship, and everyone who supported me in the process. Also, congratulations to the recipients of the scholarship and other Honorable Mentions!"

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was created to support students who are working toward careers in STEM fields, and the Goldwater Scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields. It pays for tuition, fees, books and room and board for winners.

"Congratulations to Madeline for being selected as a Goldwater Scholar and to Nora for receiving Honorable Mention," said Texas Tech president Lawrence Schovanec. "This is a great personal distinction for these students, but their success also elevates the reputation of our university and is evidence that our undergraduates are increasingly competitive for major national awards. I want to thank the faculty and staff for providing a supportive learning environment that helps develop outstanding students like Madeline and Nora."

Texas Tech has produced 36 Goldwater Scholars and received 12 Honorable Mentions since the inception of the award in 1989. The university currently has three Goldwater students enrolled: Lockhart; Arts & Sciences student Amanda Miller, a senior who received the award in 2017; and Hattie Schunk, the 2016 recipient from chemical engineering.

"Texas Tech has had a long history of success in acquiring Goldwater awards," said Wendoli Flores, director of National & International Scholarships & Fellowships for the university. "This is a testament to the excellent learning and research environment Texas Tech students encounter daily. It is clear undergraduate research has been a long-time commitment and priority at our university. The support provided by our research faculty is invaluable and critical to producing scholars worthy of the Goldwater Scholarship."