The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is considered the most prestigious and competitive research scholarship offered for undergrad STEM students. Of the 5,000 students vying for the scholarship, Johnstown native and University of Buffalo junior Sydney Swedick was one of the recipients.
"I was super ecstatic and I would say as a first generation college student, it definitely confirmed that I do have the abilities to do higher research and can be successful in this field."
Swedick plans to pursue a Ph. D. in neuroscience. She hopes to conduct research on peripheral nerve injuries and spinal cord injuries using tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.