VCU news

By Billy Lineberry

MiJin Cho, a junior in the Virginia Commonwealth University Honors College studying psychology and English in the College of Humanities and Sciences, has been selected as a recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship, a prestigious national scholarship for undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics students.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established to honor Sen. Barry M. Goldwater. The scholarship was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.

As a Goldwater scholar, Cho will conduct research in translational neuroscience and endocrinology focusing on stress and trauma. She hopes this experience will enable her to pursue working in a behavioral neuroendocrinology lab and practice psychiatry after graduating next year.

“MiJin's selection is a testament to her resilience and determination to seek out research opportunities despite many pandemic-related restrictions over the past two years," said Jeff Wing, director of VCU's National Scholarship Office, which assisted Cho in the application process for the scholarship. "VCU's undergraduate researchers continue to be recognized by Goldwater and other research-related awards."

In this year’s selection process, 417 Goldwater scholars were selected from a field of more than 5,000 nominated applicants. With the addition of Cho, VCU has had 15 Goldwater scholars in the past 16 years.

VCU’s National Scholarship Office assists students and alumni with applying for prestigious national and international scholarships. To learn more about scholarship opportunities, schedule an appointment with a member of the staff.