Congratulations to Elena Singer-Freeman and Cassandra Hung! They have been named 2024 Barry S. Goldwater Scholars for the 2023-24 academic year. Goldwater Scholars have impressive academic and research credentials that have garnered the attention of prestigious post-graduate fellowship programs. The Goldwater Scholarship is the preeminent undergraduate award of its type in these fields.
As a junior biochemistry and molecular biology major from Darien, Connecticut, Elena states “It is a deep honor to be named a Goldwater Scholar. The recognition has amplified my confidence in my abilities to continue pursuing research.” Her research focuses on the developmental mechanisms of limb regeneration. She plans to pursue an MD-PhD to both help patients and advance the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of their illnesses.
I am fascinated by the consequences of biological failure and how small changes at the molecular level cause considerable, complex damage. I love unraveling mysteries, and biology poses some of the greatest of all,” said Elena Singer-Freeman.
Singer-Freeman joined Dr. Joshua Currie‘s tissue repair and regeneration lab during her first year at Wake Forest. “Through hands-on lab work and mentorship, professor Currie has fostered my development as an independent researcher by allowing me to solve problems and plan experiments.” Singer-Freeman is the recipient of both the Dr. George E. & Lila C. Bradford Scholarship and is the Thomas E. and Ruth Mullen Scholar of the Guy T. Carswell Scholarship.
Elena encapsulates the best attributes of our undergraduate researchers. She is curious, rigorous, and driven. It has been a privilege to be her research mentor knowing that the impact she is making at Wake Forest is just the beginning of a promising career in biomedical research,” said Dr. Joshua Currie.
You may read more from author Kim McGrath at Wake Forest News.
Barry Goldwater Scholarship & Excellence in Education Foundation.