Minerva University is proud to announce that Sophia Boler, Class of 2026, has been awarded the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, making her the first Minerva student to receive this honor. The Goldwater Scholarship is considered the most distinguished undergraduate award in the United States for students pursuing research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
Sophia, a Natural Sciences major with concentrations in Cells & Organisms and Matter & Energy, was selected for her outstanding academic record and research contributions across a range of fields. From polymer chemistry in Seoul to computational cancer biology in Buenos Aires, Sophia has leveraged Minerva’s global, experiential learning model to build an impressive portfolio of scientific research.
“Sophia is, without question, one of the most talented undergraduates I’ve had the pleasure of teaching during my 13 years as a professor. Most remarkable to me is the way she asks thoughtful questions - pushing me to explore my own blindspots and inspiring me and her classmates along the way! I can’t wait to watch her continued journey. The future is bright!” said Natural Sciences Professor Allie Gale, Ph.D., who mentored and supported Sophia in her Goldwater Scholarship application.
Her Goldwater application was anchored by her summertime work at the RNA Institute at the University at Albany, where she studied how the ribosomal protein RACK1 influences the stress-response translation of the TXNIP gene. Her research earned her the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award at the Institute’s annual RNA Day and is currently in preparation for publication.
Sophia credits Minerva’s civic projects—real-world work placements integrated into the curriculum—for helping her discover and deepen her scientific interests. “Each project I’ve taken on has been a stepping stone,” she said. “Minerva gave me the opportunity to explore different paths and find what I truly want to do.”
“Sophia is an amazingly talented scientist and a trailblazer for Minerva. As our first Goldwater Scholar, she sets a powerful precedent for what’s possible through Minerva’s global, research-driven education,” said Vicki Chandler, Ph.D., Provost of Minerva University and member of the National Academy of Sciences. “Our rigorous science curriculum, incredible faculty, and the research experiences our students can pursue across the world are designed to support students like Sophia in pursuing ambitious, impactful work. I have no doubt she will inspire many future Minerva students to follow in her footsteps.”
Currently in her third year, she is developing a Capstone project that will synthesize her research experiences into a curated portfolio spanning immunoengineering, RNA biology, and computational modeling for cancer drug development.
“Being named a Goldwater Scholar feels incredibly validating,” Sophia shared. “I’m now part of a network of students across the U.S. who care as much about science as I do.”
About Minerva University:
Minerva University, headquartered in San Francisco, California, is committed to providing a transformative educational experience, allowing the brightest and most motivated students from around the world to become leaders, critical thinkers, and global citizens. Ranked #1 for three consecutive years in the World University Rankings for Innovation, Minerva offers a reinvented interdisciplinary curriculum, a cutting-edge seminar model paired with project-based, experiential learning, and an immersive global experience in several cities around the world.
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