Two University of South Dakota students receive Goldwater Scholarships

The Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress in 1986 in honor of Sen. Barry Goldwater.
The Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress in 1986 in honor of Sen. Barry Goldwater. | File photo

Two University of South Dakota students are among just four South Dakotans and 252 students nationwide to receive Goldwater Scholarships for the next academic year. 

Jade Fostvedt, a senior chemistry major with a minor in mathematics, and John Slunecka, a senior medical biology and chemistry major, were awarded the Goldwater Scholarships. 

Fostvedt is working toward a doctorate in inorganic chemistry while conducting research in alternative energy and catalysis. Slunecka is obtaining a master’s and doctorate in biochemistry while conducting research on the structures of proteins and their effects organisms’ macroscopic functions, focusing on applying it to human diseases.

Fostvedt and Slunecka were selected based on their academic accomplishments from a field of 1,150 students. These students were nominated by representatives from 415 colleges and universities across the U.S. In total, there were 144 men and 108 women nominated for the scholarships. The total received by the students per year is $7,500.

The Goldwater Scholarship was established by Congress in 1986 in honor of Sen. Barry Goldwater.