Utah State Students Win Nation's Top STEM Honor

Two Utah State University students are celebrating a major win that puts them among the nation's brightest young scientists.

Michael Davies and Ashley Starr earned 2026 Goldwater Scholarships, a national award that recognizes outstanding undergraduate researchers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. They beat tough odds, selected from more than 1,485 nominees across 482 colleges and universities nationwide.

What makes their achievement even more remarkable? Both are non-traditional students who took unconventional paths to science.

Davies spent 12 years away from college before returning to study environmental science at Utah State's Uintah Basin campus. Now he's building low-cost sensors to track snowfall in the Wasatch Mountains and developing AI tools to detect dangerous road conditions from traffic cameras. His research could save lives by helping drivers navigate isolated mountain passes more safely.

Starr moved from the Midwest to Utah to pursue her passion for public lands and wildlife. As a first-generation college student, she leads a research group studying human-wildlife conflicts. Her current project predicts where black bears and humans might cross paths in Michigan, using satellite data and vegetation patterns.

Both scholars say their time away from traditional education became their superpower. Life experience gave them focus, purpose and confidence to tackle ambitious research projects that push scientific boundaries.

The Ripple Effect

Utah State now boasts 40 Goldwater Scholars since 1998, numbers that rival top research universities. The secret? A strong culture of undergraduate research where faculty mentor students from day one.

Each scholarship provides up to $7,500 annually for tuition and expenses. But the real value goes deeper. Goldwater Scholars often go on to earn PhDs and lead groundbreaking research in their fields.

Davies became the first Goldwater Scholar from any of Utah State's statewide campuses, opening doors for rural students across the state. Starr's work bridges ecology and social science, helping public agencies communicate better with communities about wildlife.

Four other Utah State students earned nominations this year, all recognized for exceptional research potential. The university's Honors Program guides candidates through the competitive application process, which takes months of preparation.

Their success sends a powerful message to anyone who thinks they've missed their chance at science. Whether you're returning to school after years away or blazing a trail as the first in your family to attend college, outstanding research knows no timeline.