The national scholarship recognizes undergraduates with the potential to become the nation’s next generation of research leaders.
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For Anirudh Sriram, one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships means freedom — freedom to focus on research and freedom to tackle projects that will push him.
The biomedical engineering major is interested in using machine learning to study cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other complex diseases. As a Goldwater Scholar, he’ll receive financial support to focus on his studies and dig deeper into that research.
“This award is an amazing honor and an amazing confidence booster,” Sriram said. “It has given me more assurance in my path and linked me to a national community of students with similar passions.”
Sriram’s research focuses on developing computational models to crunch massive amounts of biological data and find patterns that offer new insight into disease research, diagnosis, and treatment. Once he finishes his degree, he wants to contribute to emerging technologies that are making medicine and healthcare more personalized and accurate.
“Through the integration of computer science, biology, and engineering, I hope to help design instruments that employ artificial intelligence to personalize treatments for patients, improving overall outcomes and quality of life,” he said.
Named for former Sen. Barry Goldwater, the Goldwater Scholarship goes to outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in sciences, engineering, and mathematics. It funds tuition, fees, books, and room and board for up to two years.
Each institution is allowed to nominate only five students. Sriram is one of two Georgia Tech students selected for the 2025 class, alongside chemistry major Matthew Rohan.
Sriram credited support from several mentors who’ve guided his growth as a scholar and researcher, including Ahmet Coskun and Krishnendu Roy in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering and Ashley Laughner at Weill Cornell Medicine. Sriram worked as an intern in Laughner’s lab last summer and continues to help remotely with her team’s research.
Sriram said he almost didn’t believe the Goldwater award notification when he first opened it.
“I had to read the email a few times before it really sank in,” he said. “I talked to my parents soon after. They've supported me every step of the way, and it was just lovely to share that with them.”
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