Congratulations to Tanmay Gupta CC'27, Michael Lee CC'27, Felix Liu CC'27, & Mallory Thomas SEAS'27!
Four Columbians have been awarded 2026 Goldwater Scholarships, the preeminent undergraduate award in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. In 2026, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation proudly celebrates 40 years working to support talented college sophomores and juniors who aspire to become this nation’s next generation of researchers in science, engineering, and mathematics. The Goldwater Foundation is a federally endowed agency established by Public Law 99-661 on November 14, 1986. The Scholarship Program honoring Senator Barry Goldwater was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers in the fields of the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
From an estimated pool of over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors, 1,485 students majoring in science, engineering, and mathematics were nominated by 482 academic institutions to compete for the 2026 Goldwater Scholarships. Of the awardees, 54 Scholars plan to pursue research careers in mathematics and computer science, 237 in the sciences, 98 in medicine, and 65 in engineering and materials research.
Tanmay Gupta CC'27, originally from Lexington, MA, is majoring in Physics and Mathematics. A Science Research Fellow at Columbia, Tanmay has conducted research in the Perez Lab, where he works with lithium-drifted silicon detectors for the General AntiParticle Spectrometer (GAPS). This experiment is designed to detect low-energy cosmic-ray antiparticles, investigating the nature of dark matter. He has also conducted nuclear energy research as a part of the Computational Reactor Physics Group at MIT and the Fusion Energy Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Currently, he works in the Columbia Fusion Research Center, where he is experimentally characterizing the self-inductance of the runaway electron mitigation coil to improve computational models for disruption mitigation. Tanmay also leads Columbia University Science Olympiad (CUSO), a student group that hosts a Science Olympiad tournament for high schoolers and conducts outreach with middle schools across the New York metropolitan area. As a Goldwater Scholar, Tanmay is excited to advance our ability to harness nuclear energy for a sustainable future.
East Brunswick, NJ and is studying Biochemistry. His research in the Mann Lab focuses on understanding how mechanisms of gene regulation coordinate development in the fruit fly. He has also worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering to understand how those same mechanisms of gene regulation affect cancer metastasis. Matthew plays the cello in the Columbia University Orchestra and Music Performance Program, and is a member of the Columbia University Biotechnology Society and Columbia University Science Olympiad. As a Goldwater Scholar, Matthew aspires to translate research into better clinical treatments.
Felix Liu CC'27 from California is pursuing a major in Physics and Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. Early in his academic career, he investigated properties of quantum error-correcting codes through the lens of knot theory under the guidance of Dr. Rostislav Akhmechet. His interests have since shifted toward exploring novel quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems, where he conducts research in the laboratory of Professor Dmitri Basov. Most recently, Felix’s work focuses on studying signatures of quantum chaos in two-dimensional materials. Through this approach, he seeks to deepen the understanding of emergent quantum behavior and its potential technological implications. Looking ahead, Felix hopes to pursue graduate study in condensed matter physics.
Mallory Thomas SEAS'27 studies Earth and Environmental Engineering, where she focuses on subsurface processes, energy systems, and sustainable resource recovery, with particular interest in the clean energy transition and the role of critical minerals. She conducts research with Professor Shaina Kelly, investigating how microwave treatment alters the porosity and permeability of hard rock systems to improve accessible fluid flow and reactive surface area in the context of in-situ critical mineral recovery. Mallory is a leader in Columbia’s chapter of American Academy of Environmental Engineers, where she connects students with mentorship and research opportunities in environmental engineering and sustainable development. She also serves as Test Director for Columbia University Science Olympiad. As a Goldwater Scholar, Mallory hopes to pursue graduate study focused on subsurface geochemistry and sustainable resource extraction, developing innovative approaches to make energy and mineral systems more efficient and environmentally responsible.
Columbia students interested in learning more about applying for the Goldwater Scholarship are encouraged to connect with Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.
