Southwestern University
04/23/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2024 09:26
Brian Armijo Becomes First Student in Southwestern History to Win Goldwater Scholarship
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Brian Armijo Becomes First Student in Southwestern History to Win Goldwater Scholarship
Junior biochemistry and mathematics double major earns prestigious scholarship for students studying natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
April 23, 2024
Andrew Felts
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For the first time in Southwestern University's illustrious history, a student has earned the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. Junior biochemistry and mathematics double major Brian Armijo '25 was awarded the prestigious, nationally competitive scholarship designated for students pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering fields.
"When I saw all the doors that this scholarship could open, I immediately thought it was something I have to apply for," Armijo said. "I was familiar that it wasn't something that a lot of people here at Southwestern apply for, so I thought I absolutely should go for it."
Established by the United States Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater, the scholarship helps ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly-qualified professionals that the nation needs in critical STEM fields.
Armijo is currently conducting undergraduate research with Dr. Maha Zewail-Foote at Southwestern, as well as Dr. Devleena Samanta at the University of Texas, with whom he connected during a National Science Foundation-funded internship in 2022. Last summer, he also conducted research with Dr. Julian West at Rice University in Houston.
"The scholarship is really the signifier that Brian has great potential for a future career in research, which is fantastic." - Alexandra Anderson, Senior Associate Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development
"The expectation from the Goldwater Scholarship committee is that the winners have one or more published experiences," Senior Associate Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) Alexandra Anderson said. "That's the real winner here. Yes, there's money attached, but the scholarship is really the signifier that Brian has great potential for a future career in research, which is fantastic."
As the first Southwestern student to be recognized with a Goldwater Scholarship, Armijo understands what this award means for the future of the University.
"It makes me very excited for new researchers that are coming up through Southwestern because I can act as a source of advice and guidance for them," he said. "It's really exciting to have a framework set up for not just our chemistry program, but all of our different STEM departments, because the application process can be overwhelming at first glance."
Armijo spent several months collaborating with Anderson and the CCPD to write and build his application, from the initial first step of determining overall themes, right down to the final revisions.
"[The CCPD] was really influential in getting my application tied together in as nice of a way as it was," Armijo said. "I wouldn't have been able to do it without corresponding with Alexandra."
"Southwestern has allowed me to get to a point where I'm confident in what I am going to do moving forward post undergraduate." - Brian Armijo '25
The CCPD provides the Southwestern community with comprehensive, centralized professional development support, beginning with meeting prospective students and lasting a lifetime for alumni.
"The big message for students is that no matter what it is that they're interested in, we have resources to support them," Anderson said. "And if they have no idea what they're interested in, that is a perfect reason to come and talk with us."
The Center offers assistance with a wide range of items, from learning how to write a resume and practicing interview skills, to connecting with employers and graduate schools. The CCPD also works to build connections between students and nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships, like Goldwater.
"The first battle in the whole fellowship process is believing that achievement is possible and having the awareness and cultural capital to know that these opportunities exist," Anderson said. "It's an ongoing, long-term investment by students and by the faculty and staff that support them. I really feel strongly that we all need to speak up and let people know that these are opportunities our students can strive for."
During his high school years at Albuquerque Academy in New Mexico, Armijo first discovered his passion for chemistry, which was further enhanced by the course offerings and class sizes that Southwestern provides. However, his initial connection to Southwestern came not through his academic achievements, but through his success on the track.
Armijo was originally recruited to attend Southwestern by a coach in the track and field program. He currently competes in cross country and track and field for the Pirates. This blend of athletics and academics created a Paideia moment for Armijo, who was able to apply many of the same principles from his athletic achievements to academics.
"The multifaceted approach to life that Southwestern offers is absolutely helpful," he said. "The way I approached this scholarship application is the same way I'd approach a race, and the same way I'd approach an exam or big project in the lab."
Anderson hopes that Armijo's success both in the classroom and on the track can be used as an example for other student-athletes in their academic ventures.
"Here at Southwestern, not only do we have amazing students, but also amazing student-athletes, who are investing a huge chunk of their time into their sport, in addition to what they do in the classroom and in the lab," Anderson said. "Because we have such a high population of student-athletes, it behooves all of us to help them think about what skills and qualities they're developing and practicing in their roles as athletes that are also really beneficial across all future goals that they have."
Following his senior year at Southwestern, Armijo aims to pursue his Ph.D. in chemistry or biochemistry with a particular focus in academic, industrial, or national laboratory research.
"The versatility that Southwestern provides allows me the opportunity to achieve a double major and gives me the most flexibility in my career development," Armijo said. "Southwestern has allowed me to get to a point where I'm confident in what I am going to do moving forward post undergraduate."