Natalia Beans, a sophomore in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences at Marquette University, has earned the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a program that seeks to identify, encourage and financially support students in STEM fields in the United States who show exceptional promise of becoming the next generation of research leaders in these fields.
Beans is one of 441 recipients for 2025-26, out of a pool of more than 5,000, nearly all of which have intentions of completing a Ph.D. As a Goldwater Scholar, she will receive a $7,500 scholarship in each of her junior and senior years of college.
The Goldwater Foundation is a federally endowed agency established by Public Law 99-661 on Nov. 14, 1986. The Scholarship Program honoring Sen. Barry Goldwater was designed to identify, encourage and financially support outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering and mathematics.
“The Goldwater Scholarship is a prestigious honor that rewards true potential in STEM field research and we are proud of Natalia in receiving this honor,” said Marquette President Kimo Ah Yun in a press release. “Her personal story and the impact mentored research opportunities can have to stand as great examples of what the Marquette community has to offer. I look forward to following Natalia’s journey toward her goals and know she will continue to inspire more Goldwater Scholars at Marquette.”
Beans, a Milwaukee native majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, is a survivor of childhood cancer. Her exposure to faculty-mentored research formed her career ambitions of earning a Ph.D. in cell biology to pursue advancements in drug discovery for cancer research.
“In October 2006, I was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Standard Risk) and my battle with cancer taught me that cancer hurts more than just the patients,” Beans says of her inspiration for research. “After my treatment ended, I used this struggle and the belief that God saved me for a reason as motivation to help other kids facing the same challenges I survived. Once I got involved in mentored independent research, it was an experience that opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing a Ph.D. and an academic research career.”
