Clara Witmer ’27 and Maggie Pearce ’27 are among 454 college students from more than 5,000 total nominations, the highest number of scholars the Goldwater Foundation has ever supported
Clara Witmer ’27 and Maggie Pearce ’27 have each been awarded a Goldwater Scholarship—one of the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate scholarships available for sophomore and junior STEM majors.
They are among 454 college students nationwide chosen from a pool of more than 5,000 total nominations from 482 academic institutions, the highest total number of scholars the Goldwater Foundation has ever supported in a single year. They will each receive up to $7,500 per year toward the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board, until they earn their undergraduate degrees.
With the 2026 awards, the foundation will have awarded a total of 11,616 scholarships over its 40-year history.
Federally endowed and independent, the Goldwater Foundation was founded Nov. 14, 1986. The scholarship program honors U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater (1909-1998) and was designed to identify, encourage, and financially support outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The Goldwater Scholarship is the preeminent undergraduate award of its type in these fields.
“For Clara and Maggie, this is an impressive achievement to celebrate and a reflection of our strong STEM tradition at Lafayette,” says Julia Goldberg, associate dean of advising and co-curricular programs and director of Lafayette’s Scholarships and Fellowships Office.
“One of the many joys of my job is to see our students go off into the world and make a positive difference that improves lives,” she says. “It’ll be my pleasure to observe the work of these two talented students as they embark on what I know will be meaningful, impactful careers.”
Conversations with Clara Witmer ’27 and Maggie Pearce ’27
Clara Witmer ’27
Major: Biology
Clara Witmer ’27 | Photo credit: Valentina Mendoza Cruz
Activities on and off campus: An editor for The Lafayette, Lafayette College’s student newspaper, resident adviser for Office of Residence Life, and an elementary school tutor through the America Reads program.
What are your post-graduation plans?
“After graduating from Lafayette, I hope to obtain an M.D.-Ph.D. in reproductive biology. As a physician-scientist, I plan to lead a lab at an academic institution and research the molecular mechanisms of infertility while translating that research into clinical treatments for patients.”
How will the Goldwater Scholarship support your goals?
“Receiving the Goldwater Scholarship supports my goal of becoming a physician-scientist. Not only does the scholarship’s monetary award support me financially in my last year at Lafayette, but it also provides me with free MCAT test-preparation materials, which will help me immensely as I apply to M.D.-Ph.D. programs. Outside of these benefits, the reputation of Goldwater scholars as a community of some of the most promising undergraduate STEM researchers is an incredible recognition that signals my potential for leadership in the field of reproductive medicine.”
How has Lafayette's undergraduate tradition supported your scholarly pursuits?
“While applying to colleges, I knew I wanted to attend an academic institution that strongly valued undergraduate research. Lafayette was the first college I toured, but it made one of the biggest impressions. Walking through Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center and peeking through the windows of each lab opened my eyes to the vast research opportunities Lafayette had to offer. I knew then Lafayette was where I wanted to be, and where I would have the most opportunity and support in my pursuit of becoming a physician-scientist.”
What makes this campus such a good place to study science, mathematics, and engineering?
“In addition to the many research opportunities, the small class sizes and ability to get one-on-one attention from professors are what make Lafayette such an amazing place to study biology and other STEM disciplines.”
Who has been your most important source of inspiration here at Lafayette?
“Casey Schmidt, assistant professor of biology, has been one of my biggest mentors and sources of inspiration here at Lafayette. During my freshman year, I learned a new faculty member was joining Lafayette’s Biology Department, and I reached out to them about their research in molecular genetics. That new faculty member ended up being Prof. Schmidt, and I joined her research lab the following fall. Over the last two years, Prof. Schmidt has supported me immensely, guiding me through the ups and downs of research and pushing me to think like a scientist. From poster presentation nerves and failed experiments, Prof. Schmidt has been beside me through it all. Prof. Schmidt’s dedication to her research, students, and teaching is something I hope to emulate as an aspiring scientist in academia. I can’t thank Prof. Schmidt enough for encouraging me to apply for the Goldwater Scholarship and for her continual support throughout the application process.”
What does it mean to receive a Goldwater Scholarship?
“If there’s one thing research has taught me, it’s the important lesson of learning to move forward from your failures. That being said, research has also taught me the importance of celebrating your wins. Receiving the Goldwater Scholarship is a win I intend to celebrate; it’s a celebration of the countless hours I’ve spent in the lab and an acknowledgement of my dedication to my current research and intended career in science and health care. I am deeply appreciative of the research mentors, family, and friends who supported and guided me during this scholarship process.”
Maggie Pearce ’27
Major: Geology
Maggie Pearce ’27 | Contributed photo
Activities on and off campus: LaFarm volunteer, Geological Society of Lafayette (secretary), Lafayette Outdoors Society, EXCEL Scholar, and RUMBLE research group.
What are your post-graduation plans?
“After graduation I will pursue a master’s degree in volcanology/petrology, with the ultimate goal to obtain a Ph.D. and teach and conduct research on volcanic systems, drivers, and eruption dynamics at the university level.”
How will the Goldwater Scholarship support your goals?
“This scholarship will demonstrate my interest and ability to pursue a career in research, and show I have the drive and passion for my field of study. The application process alone created a clearer picture of what my career aspirations were, and gave me valuable experience that I will draw upon as I progress in my career.”
How has Lafayette’s undergraduate tradition supported your scholarly pursuits?
“Lafayette’s undergraduate tradition enabled me to gain research experience at an early stage of my career, form meaningful connections with faculty, and build practical skills through hands-on learning.”
What makes this campus such a good place to study science, mathematics, and engineering?
“Lafayette not only has many opportunities for STEM student research, growth, and skill development, but makes those opportunities accessible through close faculty mentorship, facilities, and programs such as EXCEL Scholars.”
Who has been your most important source of inspiration here at Lafayette?
“The impact the Lafayette Geology Department has had on me cannot be understated—especially my research mentor, Tamara Carley, associate professor of geology and environmental geosciences. Her support and guidance have encouraged me to challenge myself and feel confident that I have worked for a place in the scientific community. Her enthusiasm for her work and our success has made her one of the most influential parts of my education.”
What does it mean to receive a Goldwater Scholarship?
“It is rewarding to know people within the community believe I have the potential to achieve a career I am passionate about, and it inspires me to continue to work toward my goals.”
