04/28/2026
What do a Goldwater Winner, an Inaugural Beckman Scholar,
and a SRNDNA Summer Research Awardee have in common?
They are all Neuroscience (plus) Majors!
Across the last month, three Neuroscience Majors
have received prestigious research recognitions.
Jenna Wright ’27, a Neuroscience and German double major
with a Chemistry minor wrote a proposal titled: "Lights out on
Myths: Using the Neural Basis of Knowledge Updating as a
Behavioral Change Predictor in Older Adults.” Mentored by
Dr. Renee DeCaro, Jenna’s proposal was selected for a
Summer Research Award by the Scientific Research Network
on Decision Neuroscience and Aging (SRNDNA). Jenna’s
award will support her participation in an 8-week, intensive,
mentored summer research experience. In a typical year, only
3–7 students are selected across institutions in the United
States, making this a particularly meaningful recognition of
Jenna’s work.
Liesl Rozeboom ’27, a Neuroscience, Psychology, and
German triple major is one of two inaugural Beckman
Scholars at Butler University. Butler University was selected
as a site for the Beckman Scholars program last fall, with the
program beginning this May on campus. Beckman Scholars
awards provide support to undergraduate STEM majors for
two summers and one academic year, helping awardees
advance their research training, professional development,
and preparation for future study and careers in STEM-related
fields. Liesl’s Beckman Scholars research project will be
mentored by Dr. Jennifer Berry.
Lauren Fields ’27, a Neuroscience and Psychology double
major with a Biology minor was selected as a 2026
Goldwater Scholar based on research she conducts in Dr.
Jennifer Berry’s lab. The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is one
of our nation’s most prestigious and competitive awards for
rising juniors and seniors in the natural sciences,
mathematics, and engineering. From the Goldwater website:
“The Goldwater Scholarship recognizes students who have
the curiosity, discipline, and vision to become the next
generation of research leaders.” (retrieved from:
https://goldwaterscholarship.gov/ on 4/19/2026).
We are so proud of the accomplishments of
these three amazing Neuroscience Majors!
