Goldwater at UNO

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is excited to celebrate a remarkable achievement! For the second time in its history, UNO proudly announces not just one, but two exceptional students who have been awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. Tai Prauner and Isabelle Weber are now part of history, etching their names alongside the illustrious roster of the Goldwater Foundation’s list of 10,720 awardees since 1989 and the 438 awards announced for 2024.

Isabelle is an Honors Program student and Scott Scholar earning her B.S. in Neuroscience with an additional major in Molecular and Biomedical Biology, as well as minors in Chemistry and Medical Humanities. Isabelle’s campus research mentor is Assistant Professor Paul Denton, who finds “Isabelle embodies all the qualities that I value in an undergraduate research student. She is a disciplined team player who works hard and is creative, committed, and caring. Isabelle’s ambition and drive are very apparent even as her humble nature keeps her grounded. She has earned my complete trust in the research laboratory and never backs away from a challenge. These are just a few of the ways that Isabelle presents herself as an ideal student researcher. I am fully confident that the characteristics that Isabelle exhibits in my laboratory will successfully carry her forward in her efforts to become a physician scientist.” Both UNO’s Sachin Nedungadi and UNMC’s Kate Hyde also supported Isabelle’s application.

Tai is an Honors Program junior earning her BS in Molecular and Biomedical Biology with a chemistry minor, as well as her BA in Spanish for Health Sciences with a Medical Humanities minor. Her research mentor is Ryan Wong, Sophie and Feodora Kahn Professor of Biology, who notes that “Tai is a very intelligent, curious, enthusiastic, and passionate person in the fields of science and medicine. She takes initiative and thinks outside the box when troubleshooting scientific project designs and giving feedback to her lab mates. Tai has become an integral member of the lab and has provided invaluable perspectives.” UNO’s J.J. Conrad and Sachin Nedungadi also supported Tai’s application.

Jill Blankenship, Chair of the Biology Department, remarks “Our department is so proud of Tai and Izzy’s accomplishments. We have been incredibly fortunate in our confluence of spectacular students and excellent faculty research mentors and educators, who give students the opportunity to reach their potential. Tai and Izzy’s accomplishments at the bench and in the classroom are impressive and we are pleased that the Goldwater Scholarship Committee has recognized their excellence.”

This national recognition not only honors Tai and Isabelle's accomplishments but also provides them with a platform to thrive. With scholarship funding and a robust network at their disposal, they are poised to conquer new heights in their academic pursuits. Dr. Lucy Morrison, Director of the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships, “encourages fellow students, especially sophomores and juniors, to think about applying for such nationally competitive awards, a UNO’s track record with such efforts is consistent.”

As a community, UNO is committed to empowering our students and unlocking their full potential. Through the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships, we provide unparalleled support to help students pursue prestigious scholarships and awards. For those eager to embark on a similar journey, reach out to Dr. Morrison at unoonsf@unomaha.edu and let your aspirations take flight. Congratulations once again to Tai and Isabelle – you inspire us all with your boundless passion and unwavering dedication!

Year	Awardee
2024	Tai Prauner and Isabelle Weber
2023	Abby Swoboda
2022	Brandon Villanueva-Sanchez and Maia Bennett
2021	Sarah Alsuleiman
2020	LeeAnna Lui
2018	Samantha Sack
2017	Zachary Meade and Harim Won