Rishab Samant, Neha Singaravelan and Vamsi Singu have been recognized by one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate honors for their extraordinary science and mathematics accomplishments. Three University of Alabama at Birmingham undergraduate students have been named Barry Goldwater Scholars, one of the nation’s most prestigious awards for students pursuing research careers in science, mathematics and/or engineering.
The scholars — Rishab Samant of Vestavia Hills, Alabama; Neha Singaravelan of Dallas, Texas; and Vamsi Singu of Omaha, Nebraska — were selected for their exceptional academic achievement, research excellence and commitment to becoming physician‑scientists.
Only 454 students were named 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholars from an estimated pool of more than 5,000 students nationwide.
“These students exemplify the academic excellence, intellectual curiosity and innovative spirit that defines UAB,” said Janet Woodruff‑Borden, Ph.D., senior vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “Their achievements reflect their talent and dedication, alongside the strength of UAB’s research environment and the mentorship that empowers students to pursue discovery at the highest level.”
Samant is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in cancer biology and a Master of Public Health degree. He conducts research in the laboratory of Jason Warram, Ph.D., and plans to pursue an M.D. and a Ph.D. in cancer biology. Samant’s research interests focus on theranostics, integrating therapy and diagnostics, to enable precise, immunofluorescent image‑guided surgical treatment of cancer. He is a member of the UAB Honors College.
“I am boundlessly thankful to have learned from my research mentors and be selected for this honor,” Samant said. “My journey to this point has only been strengthened by the guidance of my invaluable mentors.”
Singaravelan is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in cancer biology and a Master of Public Health degree. She works in the laboratory of Trygve Tollefsbol, Ph.D., and plans to pursue an M.D. and a Ph.D. in cancer biology in the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. Her research interests center on designing predictive combinatorial cancer treatments and investigating epigenetic pathways involved in cancer. Singaravelan is a member of the Early Medical School Acceptance Program and the UAB Honors College.
“I feel so grateful for all the help and support I have received from my mentors, teachers and family to receive this honor,” Singaravelan said.
Singu is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience and a Bachelor of Arts degree in world languages and literatures, with a concentration in applied professional Spanish. He conducts research in the laboratory of Erik Roberson, M.D., Ph.D., and plans to pursue an M.D. and a Ph.D. in neuroscience. His long‑term goal is to identify novel genetic and molecular therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disease. He is a member of the Early Medical School Acceptance Program and the UAB Honors College.
“I am extremely grateful to have been named a 2026 Goldwater Scholar,” Singu said. “UAB’s continued success in achieving awards like this is a testament to the university’s groundbreaking innovation and resources. This award marks another step forward in my goal of becoming a physician‑scientist.”
UAB’s Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships helps identify students who meet the criteria for a Barry Goldwater Scholarship and assist them throughout the application process.
“This national recognition for Rishab, Neha and Vamsi is evidence of the exceptional mentoring they have received as undergraduate researchers at UAB,” said Michelle Cook, Ph.D., director of the Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships. “Earning this recognition demonstrates their academic excellence and commitment to research and discovery.”
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program recognizes undergraduate students who show exceptional promise as future leaders in research. UAB’s continued representation among Goldwater Scholars underscores the university’s national reputation for undergraduate research excellence and academic mentorship.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program is recognized as the nation’s premier undergraduate award for students pursuing research careers in science, engineering and mathematics. For the 2026 competition, an estimated 5,000-plus college sophomores and juniors were considered nationwide. From that pool, 1,485 students were nominated by 482 academic institutions to compete for the scholarship. Ultimately, fewer than 500 students were selected as Goldwater Scholars, underscoring the program’s extraordinary competitiveness. Nearly all awardees intend to pursue a Ph.D. as their highest degree, with scholars planning research careers in mathematics and computer science, the sciences, medicine, engineering, and materials research.