Five Michigan State University students have earned the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, a university record for a single cohort of the award. This places MSU at 60 Goldwater Scholars since the award’s inception.

The Goldwater Foundation seeks sophomores and juniors committed to a research career in STEM fields with the potential for significant future contribution in their chosen field. The award provides $7,500 per year in funding for undergraduate tuition and living expenses.

“I’m proud to congratulate Erik Brodsky, Jesse Sandhu, Samantha Schulte, Grace Showerman, and Caden Wade on their recognition by the Goldwater Scholarship program for their promise in their respective fields,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz. “Goldwater Scholars are driven by curiosity and the opportunity to make a difference in critical areas of discovery and represent the next generation of leaders in natural science, engineering, and mathematics.”

For the 2025 Goldwater Scholarship competition, 1,350 outstanding undergraduates were nominated by 445 institutions. Brodsky, Sandhu, Schulte, Showerman, and Wade were among 441 new scholars selected. All five students are members of MSU’s Honors College.