Yellowstone Times

Anna Erickson and Derek Jollie, both juniors at Montana State University (MSU), have been awarded the prestigious Barry Goldwater scholarships. The scholarships recognize top undergraduate students pursuing research in STEM fields across the United States. Erickson, from Dalton, Minnesota, majors in psychology and cell biology and neuroscience, while Jollie, from Butte, majors in mathematical sciences and physics. They are the latest MSU students to join the ranks of Goldwater scholars, a group that now numbers 92 from the university since the award's establishment in 1989.

"MSU has a really strong undergraduate research program, and I knew I would receive opportunities here I couldn’t find elsewhere," said Erickson about her decision to study at the university. Since 2022, she has been involved in the RAISE study led by Nadya Modyanova, which focuses on communication methods for children with language and cognitive disabilities. Associate Professor Modyanova praised Erickson's commitment and capability in engaging children with diverse abilities, describing her as "amazingly smart, organized, committed, passionate and curious."

Erickson, who is studying abroad in Finland, is planning to pursue a Ph.D. in neuropsychology. She wants to focus on the cognition of autism and neurodivergencies in children. Associate Professor Bernadette McCrory spoke highly of Erickson’s potential in research, stating, "I have no doubt that Anna will thrive, and that her future and current research contributions will make a meaningful impact."

Simultaneously, Derek Jollie attributed his decision to study at MSU partly to the financial and mentoring support provided by the MSU Hilleman Scholars Program. Carina Beck of the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success remarked, "Derek earned the Goldwater Scholarship through his curiosity, tenacity and by working with incredible faculty and staff."

Jollie's academic journey included research in both physics and mathematics, eventually leading him to explore dynamical systems with the guidance of Associate Professor Scott McCalla. McCalla expressed commendations for Jollie's talents and listed him among the deserving recipients of the scholarship. Elizabeth Burroughs, head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, noted Jollie's engagement in the mathematics community since his first year at MSU. Jollie aspires to continue his research through a doctoral program and credits the supportive faculty at MSU for his academic achievements.

This year, 441 students received the Goldwater scholarships, with recipients selected from 1,350 nominations by 445 academic institutions. Further details about the Goldwater Scholarships are available at goldwaterscholarship.gov, and for more information on major scholarship winners at MSU, visit montana.edu/honors/major_awards/major_scholarship_award_winners.html.