Elizabeth Jacoby and Theo Nguyen receive one of the nation’s most competitive undergraduate honors in STEM
IRVING, Texas (April 2, 2026) — Two University of Dallas students have been awarded the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s most competitive undergraduate honors in science, mathematics and engineering.
Elizabeth Jacoby, ’27 , a junior physics major, and Theo Nguyen ’27, a junior biochemistry major, were selected by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation based on academic achievement, research experience and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
Elizabeth Jacoby
Jacoby conducted research with Dr. Will Flanagan on developing methods to detect neutron capture from Zr-88. Her lab work, along with a UDallas physics trip to CERN during her semester in Rome, has led her to pursue a doctorate in nuclear astrophysics after graduation.
"I was ecstatic when I learned that I was selected for a Goldwater Scholarship. It isn't just my achievement, however, but it also reflects on the professors who mentored me and the University of Dallas' commitment to fostering excellence," Jacoby said.
She was mentored by faculty members Drs. Jacob Moldenhauer, Rich Olenick and Dave Catlett.
“The STEM faculty amaze me with their dedication to both rigorous science and the other liberal arts. Having professors who care about you not just as a student but as a whole person has made a huge difference in my education,” Jacoby added.
Theo Nguyen
Nguyen has completed research across multiple laboratories. Last summer, he worked at UT Southwestern Medical Center under Dr. Beverly Rothermel, studying metabolic states in disomic and trisomic induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs. He presented that research at the American Chemical Society spring meeting in Atlanta.
“When I found out, I was really happy that I got the Barry Goldwater Scholarship," Nguyen said. “I'm grateful for the financial support the scholarship will provide for my senior year.”
Nguyen plans to earn a combined M.D./Ph.D. and conduct translational research on cardiovascular disease. He also conducted research in the labs of Drs. William Cody and Jonathan Dannatt.
“I chose UDallas because it’s a small Catholic liberal arts university with a close student-to-faculty ratio. My favorite part of being here is the STEM professors," Nguyen added.
“Our students’ selections as Goldwater Scholars affirm that the University of Dallas is one of the top universities in the country for STEM education,” said Dr. Ellen Steinmiller, associate professor and chemistry department chair.
Jacoby and Nguyen are among a select group of students nationwide to receive the honor this year. Their scholarships reflect both their individual achievements and the strength of research mentorship available at the University of Dallas.
UDallas National Fellowships & Awards
The University of Dallas has established itself as a national leader in undergraduate academic achievement. UDallas students consistently earn some of the most prestigious fellowships and scholarships in the country, including Fulbright, Goldwater and National Science Foundation awards, at 50 to 100 times the rate of Ivy League institutions, while operating with a fraction of their endowment capital.
To date, UDallas students and alumni have earned 38 Fulbright Awards, 12 Goldwater Scholarships, 5 National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships, 1 Truman Scholarship and 1 Marshall Scholarship nomination. Recent milestones include UDallas’ first Truman Scholar in 2023, its first Marshall Scholarship Finalist in 2022, and five Goldwater Scholars in a remarkable three-year stretch from 2019 to 2021.
These honors reflect not only the talent and dedication of UDallas students, but the strength of the university's faculty mentorship, rigorous Core Curriculum and commitment to forming graduates who compete and excel on the national stage.
About the University of Dallas
With campuses in Texas and Italy, the University of Dallas is the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the country, known for its nationally ranked Core Curriculum, Rome program, exceptional post-graduation outcomes and robust graduate and professional programs in business, ministry, education and the humanities. UDallas is the only Catholic university with an A+ rated comprehensive undergraduate liberal arts curriculum, offered at an excellent value to some of the happiest students in the country.
