March 2022 News

Academy Alum Receives Goldwater Scholarship

Friday, March 25, 2022

Isabelle Behrman (IASHM 2020), a Ball State junior and Honors College student, has received a Goldwater Scholarship. The Goldwater is the nation’s most important scholarship for undergraduates who intend to pursue careers in STEM research.

Isabelle has majors in chemistry (with the American Chemical Society concentration) and Spanish. After earning a Ph.D. in molecular engineering or material science and engineering, she plans to launch a research career aimed at creating environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials. In particular, she hopes to work on development of new packaging materials to address problems of plastic creation and waste.

At Ball State, Isabelle has been working in the lab of Dr. Robert Sammelson since the end of her freshman year, helping conduct research on a newly developed acid. She is also a member of the Women’s Tennis Team and serves as a Supplemental Instructor in organic chemistry. As a graduate of the Indiana Academy, Isabelle will be completing her undergraduate degree in only three years.

Isabelle is the thirteenth Ball State student to receive the Goldwater Scholarship, along with nine others who have received honorable mention. Many of these alumni have gone on to win other prestigious scholarships and established impressive careers in STEM research. Congratulations, Isabelle!