Congratulations to Neuroscience major Clara Abdelmalek for winning a Goldwater Scholarship! Goldwater Scholarships are awarded to students across the country pursuing advanced study and research careers in the sciences, engineering and mathematics. Clara has collected extensive research experience during her time as a NEUR major at UMD. She has interned with Dr. Youssef Kousa’s viral neurobiology lab at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C, participated in the Gemstone honors team research project, and spent a year in Mark Batshaw’s clinic at Children’s National Hospital. In addition to the Goldwater Scholarship, Clara has also received the Clifford and Camille Kendall CMNS Dean’s Scholarship, Louise Ogle Scholarship, and Dean's Scholarship. Congratulations to Clara, we are proud of you

UMD’s 2025 Goldwater Scholars are:

• Clara Abdelmalek, junior neuroscience major
• Harikesh Kailad, sophomore computer science and mathematics double major
• Luiz Mata Lopez, junior computer science and mathematics double major
• Benjamin Raufman, junior chemistry and mathematics double-degree student     

They are among 441 Goldwater Scholars selected from 1,350 nominees nationally. 

Goldwater Scholars receive one- or two-year scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to $7,500 per year. 

Read more about the four Science Terps Awarded 2025 Goldwater Scholarships HERE