SC Connecticut News

Three Yale College juniors have been named Goldwater Scholars for the 2024-2025 academic year. Hannah Barsouk, Molly Hill, and Parisa Vaziri are among the 438 U.S. college students awarded the prestigious scholarship that encourages research careers in STEM fields. The scholarships, named after former U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, are highly esteemed and supported by the Goldwater Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense National Defense Education Program.

Hannah Barsouk, a Morse College student, is pursuing a joint master’s and bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. They are conducting research on non-coding RNAs in bacteria and intend to pursue a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Molly Hill, of Grace Hopper College, is studying ecology and evolutionary biology, focusing on bird plumages and behavior. Parisa Vaziri, a neuroscience major from Saybrook College, has conducted research on motion detection in humans and fruit flies, even building a makeshift neuroscience lab in her bathroom during the pandemic.

The three Yale students were selected from a competitive pool of more than 5,000 college sophomores and juniors, showcasing their dedication to academic excellence and research. With plans to obtain Ph.D. degrees, these scholars have already made significant contributions to their respective fields, presenting their work at professional conferences and publishing in leading journals.

Hannah Barsouk, Molly Hill, and Parisa Vaziri's achievements highlight their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and pursuing impactful research in STEM disciplines. Their dedication and passion for their fields position them as promising young scientists who are poised to make significant contributions to the scientific community in the future.