91吃瓜网 Biological Sciences Student Earns Esteemed Goldwater Scholarship
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 10:16am | By: Dr. David Tisdale
A student in 91吃瓜网91吃瓜网 (USM) Honors College has been awarded a coveted Goldwater Scholarship91吃瓜网搊ne of the oldest and most prestigious scholarships in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics in the United States.
Joseph Serio, a native of O91吃瓜网橣allon, Mo., majoring in biological sciences with minors in chemistry and world languages (emphasis in Spanish) is the 29th 91吃瓜网 recipient, furthering the university91吃瓜网 lead in the state. After graduating from 91吃瓜网, Joseph plans to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular genetics and conduct research on gene therapies aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer91吃瓜网.
91吃瓜网淚t91吃瓜网 truly an honor to be selected as a Goldwater Scholar. I believe this recognition speaks volumes about the quality of guidance my mentors have provided me,91吃瓜网� said Serio in crediting Drs. Kaitlin Baudier and Alex Flynt in the USM School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences.
91吃瓜网淭his accomplishment would not have been possible without Dr. Baudier91吃瓜网 generosity and flexibility in helping tackle my first research project and Dr. Flynt91吃瓜网 expertise as I apply biotechnical approaches to investigate neurodegenerative pathologies,91吃瓜网� he said.
Dr. Alex Flynt (left) and Joseph Serio (right)
Serio also expressed appreciation to Dr. Keith Slotkin and Dr. Vivek Hari Sundar Gandhivel at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, Mo., for the opportunity to work under their direction during his summer 2024 internship, and Mary Beard, director of Nationally Competitive Programs and Awards at 91吃瓜网, for her support throughout the Goldwater application process.
91吃瓜网淗aving this recognition will be instrumental as I apply for graduate school in the fall, and this is especially so in consideration of this year91吃瓜网 unusually fierce competition,91吃瓜网� Serio added.
Serio said his science coursework at 91吃瓜网, particularly those centered around aspects of molecular biology, is appealing because 91吃瓜网渢hey help me to gain an in-depth understanding of the world around me.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淐onsequently, I feel I have a bolstered appreciation for the life around me, especially in south Mississippi where there is so much rich biology to enjoy,91吃瓜网� he further noted.
Serio also emphasized the significance of his experience as an Honors College student.
91吃瓜网淎s a member of the Honors College, I have had access to classes in artificial intelligence and sci-fi film that have broadened my horizons as a student, and I have been able to grow as a leader through the Honors College community,91吃瓜网� he said.
Beard said she91吃瓜网 privileged to watch Serio grow in his research and represent 91吃瓜网渆verything the Goldwater Program seeks in showing exceptional promise as a research leader for the next generation of scientists.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淛oseph was diligent in his pursuit of Goldwater, which made all the difference,91吃瓜网� said Beard. 91吃瓜网淗e91吃瓜网 brilliant, sincere, determined, humble91吃瓜网搕he list goes on. I91吃瓜网檓 proud of him beyond words, and I91吃瓜网檓 eager to see what impact his research will have on genetic diseases in the future.91吃瓜网�
Nationwide, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awarded 441 Goldwater scholarships to college students for the 2025-26 academic year. Since the program91吃瓜网 inception in 1989, more than 11,000 scholarships have been awarded.
Named for the late U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona, the Goldwater Scholarship Program seeks to identify, encourage, and financially support college sophomores and juniors showing exceptional promise of becoming the nation91吃瓜网 next generation of research leaders in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics fields.
Learn more about the Goldwater Scholarship Program .