Meet Alabama’s Latest Goldwater Scholars Making Big Waves
The University of Alabama (UA) is one of the top producers of Goldwater Scholars in the nation. In recent years, UA has produced as many or more winners than prestigious institutions like Harvard, MIT, Caltech, and Duke. And sports are not all Bama dominates in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The school leads all other conference member institutions in Goldwater recipients. And you can add three more to the long list.
Katy Butler, of Oakwood, Ohio; Colton Byrne, of Rockford, Michigan; and Jesse Park, of Burr Ridge, Illinois have brought the UA Goldwater scholars list total to 72.
- Butler is a junior pursuing a major in biochemistry and minor in mathematics. She wrote that her career goal is, "...to conduct computational biochemistry research focusing on utilizing, improving, and building biophysical modeling tools. Ultimately, I intend to lead a research group in industry."
The Ohio native is an avid distance runner and co-founded the Marathon Club with her twin Bella. She is also a research ambassador with the Office of Undergraduate Research, treasurer of the American Chemical Society’s Chemistry Club and volunteer ambassador for the retirement home volunteering organization Tide for Tuscaloosa.
- Byrne is pursuing a dual degree in geology and chemistry. His career goal is a, "Ph.D in Geology or Geochemistry. Conduct research in sedimentary geochemistry and paleoclimatology and teach at the university level."
The Michigander is vice president of the Sigma Gamma Epsilon Earth Sciences Honors Society and Geology Club, and he is a member of Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honors Society and the Cave Appreciation Club. He also tutors Geology 101 and 102 for the Learning Commons.
- Park is a Randall Research Scholar in the engineering entrepreneurship program pursuing a dual master’s degree in mechanical engineering through the Accelerated Master’s Program and an MBA through the STEM Path to MBA.
The Illinois native wrote about his career goal: "Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering. Conduct research in material science and lead R&D centered around laser-based surface engineering techniques within industry."
Park is president of UA’s chapter of Tikkun Olam Makers, a club that designs low-cost, open-source solutions for people with disabilities. In this club, he has garnered various international recognitions for UA, mentored chapters at Stanford University and the University of Michigan, and hosted disability-centered design sprints within The Cube. He is also a member of UA’s Undergraduate Case Team and an ambassador for both the Honors College and Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering.
According to a press release, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation is celebrating 40 years working to support talented college sophomores and juniors who aspire to become this nation’s next generation of researchers in science, engineering, and mathematics.
From an estimated pool of over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors, 1,485 students majoring in science, engineering, and mathematics were nominated by 482 academic institutions to compete for the 2026 Goldwater Scholarships. Among the students who reported, 226 are men, 217 are women, and nearly all intend to pursue a PhD as their highest degree. Of the awardees, 54 Scholars plan to pursue research careers in mathematics and computer science, 237 in the sciences, 98 in medicine, and 65 in engineering and materials research.
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