TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Four students from the University of Alabama have been honored as Goldwater Scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year. This selection places UA at the forefront among Southeastern Conference universities, marking it as the only SEC school to have all nominated students awarded. UA now boasts a total of 69 Goldwater Scholars.
The honored students are Ian Brunetz from Chattanooga, Tennessee; Emily Gokie from Seward, Nebraska; Gabrielle Kowkabany from Jacksonville, Florida; and Blake Yuenger from Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Ian Brunetz is a standout in the University Honors Program, double majoring in biology and English while minoring in history. He collaborates with Dr. Carla Atkinson, researching how human land use impacts the stable isotope composition of mussel shells and soft tissue. Ian aims to pursue a doctorate in ecotoxicology, focusing on freshwater ecosystems and their invertebrate communities. He also leads a busy life as treasurer of the Run UA organization, an officer in the Philosophy Club, and a production assistant for the show “Discovering Alabama.”
Emily Gokie, also in the Honors Program, is dual majoring in mechanical engineering and physics. She works under Dr. Thejesh Bandi, enhancing portable atomic clock performance through better thermal control. Emily hopes to earn a doctorate in engineering with a focus on spacecraft navigation. Currently, she interns at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, aspiring to secure a permanent position following her studies. In her spare time, Emily is active in the Engineering Career Development Center, the Tau Beta Pi honor society, and the UA Women’s Rugby Club.
Gabrielle Kowkabany is a Randall Research Scholar studying chemical and biological engineering, currently researching the use of natural products to tackle cancers and neurodegenerative diseases with Dr. Yuping Bao. Gabrielle plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical and translational science to develop new cancer treatments and aims to lead clinical trials at a top research hospital. Outside academics, she represents the Honors College and manages the UA club “Dare to Diagnose,” while also being involved with the American Chemical Society.
Blake Yuenger, also a Randall Research Scholar, is majoring in chemistry and enrolled in the Accelerated Master’s Program. He researches palladium precatalyst activation for C-N cross-coupling catalysis with Dr. Kevin Shaughnessy. Blake dreams of earning a doctorate in chemistry and researching organometallic chemistry while teaching at the university level. Apart from research, he’s an editor for JOSHUA, the undergraduate research journal, and plays jazz guitar in the Tuscaloosa Big Band.
The University of Alabama’s Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships supports students in obtaining national and international awards like the Goldwater, Rhodes, and Truman scholarships. Those seeking institutional endorsements for these awards can visit the External Scholarships and Fellowships website.
This recognition of UA students aligns with broader trends showing a growing emphasis on research and innovation in higher education. According to a recent survey by the National Science Foundation, research opportunities are a top consideration for students choosing their universities. As institutions increasingly prioritize research, students like Brunetz, Gokie, Kowkabany, and Yuenger exemplify the bright future of academia and innovation.
In conclusion, these four Goldwater Scholars reflect the University of Alabama’s commitment to fostering talent and excellence in research, marking an exciting chapter not just for UA, but for future scientific advancements.
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