James Holloway, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New Mexico | The University of New Mexico
James Holloway, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New Mexico | The University of New Mexico
Three University of New Mexico students have been named 2025-2026 Goldwater Scholars. Alex Knigge, Anthony Languit, and Tanisha Medha were chosen from a pool of 1,350 nominees representing 446 academic institutions.
The Goldwater Scholarship, established in honor of U.S. Senator Barry M. Goldwater, offers financial aid to students aiming for a Ph.D. in STEM fields. This year, 441 students were selected based on academic merit. Among the recipients, 203 are men and 222 are women, with career interests in fields such as mathematics, science, medicine, and engineering.
Anthony Languit, a biochemistry major with a minor in honors interdisciplinary liberal arts, conducts research under Dr. Judy Cannon at UNM's Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. Languit's research focuses on chemokine receptors affecting T cell movement and function. He expressed gratitude for his mentors, Dr. Cannon and Dr. Larissa Shimoda, saying, “I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship."
Alex Knigge, a student of computer science with a minor in mathematics, works at the Moses Biological Computation Lab. Under Dr. Moses and Dr. Fricke's guidance, she researches fish foraging behavior on coral reefs. Knigge, planning a Ph.D. in computer science, stated: "Being selected as a Goldwater Scholar is a huge honor." She thanked mentors including Dr. Matthew Fricke and the CAELD staff for their support.
Tanisha Medha, studying biochemistry and anthropology, conducts research at Singh Lab on eye diseases like melanoma. With mentors such as Dr. Daniel Sherbenou, Medha aims to develop targeted therapy. She remarked, "I am truly grateful to be selected as a 2025 Goldwater Scholar," acknowledging her mentors' role in her academic journey.
Kiyoko Simmons from UNM's Honors College recognized the students' achievements, acknowledging the university's history of producing Goldwater Scholars. “We are thrilled to congratulate Alex, Anthony, and Tanisha on receiving the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship!”
UNM’s Center for Academic Excellence and Leadership Development supports students in applying for scholarships like the Goldwater, assisting with institutional endorsement and application processes.
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