University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students Marlena Alexander, Jocelyn Hess and Jack Peltier have been awarded Goldwater Scholarships — the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship of its kind — for the 2025-26 academic year. Selected from a pool of 1,350 nominees representing 445 academic institutions, the students were chosen for their exceptional promise in STEM research.
“Undergraduate Research and Fellowships would like to recognize and thank UT’s dedicated faculty who train, encourage and nominate our deserving Goldwater nominees,“ said Ryan Lee, the office‘s assistant director. “We are also proud of the outstanding accomplishments of our three Goldwater recipients. They are being recognized for their academic excellence, the hundreds of hours they’ve dedicated to their respective research projects and the great potential they hold in their challenging disciplines. All three are active members of their scientific communities, and all three are Tennessee natives who represent the great talents of our state. We look forward to further supporting and celebrating their future successes.”
The Goldwater Foundation was established in 1986 to honor the lifetime work of Sen. Barry M. Goldwater. Scholarships provide up to $7,500 annually to cover tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Including the 2025 recipients, the foundation has awarded 11,162 scholarships since launching its Goldwater Scholarship program in 1989.
UT is the state’s premier public university, preparing students to be leaders in some of the country’s most in-demand fields. Students are frequently awarded competitive national honors like the Goldwater, Fulbright and Gilman scholarships, with thirty-three UT students being named Goldwater Scholars since 2010.
Meet the recipients
Alexander, of Knoxville, is a junior studying material science and engineering with a minor in global studies.
The scholarship will support Alexander’s journey to doctoral research in material science and engineering with a focus on developing advanced materials for renewable energy systems and storage technologies.
“Being selected for the Goldwater Scholarship is an incredible honor that reinforces my commitment to contributing positively to society by advancing technologies that address one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: anthropogenic climate change,” said Alexander. “I am deeply grateful to my mentors whose guidance, wisdom and unwavering belief in my potential have been essential in helping me to achieve this recognition.”
Hess, of Seymour, Tennessee, is a junior studying materials science and engineering with a minor in honors leadership studies.
The scholarship will support Hess as she researches sustainable paper-fiber reinforced polypropylene composites in collaboration with Volkswagen to reduce vehicles‘ carbon footprint.
”This recognition represents a culmination of the support of many wonderful family members, friends and mentors who have taken the time to pour into me,” said Hess.
Peltier, of Franklin, Tennessee, is a junior earning a dual degree in math and physics, both with honors.
The scholarship will support Peltier as he researches how certain atoms decay and release neutrons to gain a better understanding of nuclear structure. It will also further his work on advanced math equations that model real-world systems.
“Receiving the Barry Goldwater scholarship is a large step towards being able to pursue research in either pure mathematics or mathematical physics as I look towards my future in and beyond graduate school,” said Peltier.
UT students who want more information about the Goldwater Scholarship and other nationally competitive awards can visit the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships website and schedule an appointment to meet with its staff.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Maggie Palmer (865-974-3993, mpalme19@utk.edu)