WASHINGTON – Howard University junior Kennedy Chastang, an honors chemistry major, Spanish minor from Detroit, Michigan, has been named a recipient of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship.  

“When I think about the things I've been able to do, I could have never planned it for myself. I give all glory to my God, who has orchestrated my steps in ways I’d never imagine,” said Chastang. 

Congress established the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Sen. Barry Goldwater. Goldwater Scholarships are awarded to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.  

“On behalf of the entire Howard University community, I congratulate Kennedy Chastang on this great accomplishment,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, MD, PhD, president of Howard University. “This recognition of their academic performance in science and math is a testament to Howard’s commitment to encouraging independent inquiry and scholarship through experiential learning and leadership development. We look forward to her continued success inside and outside the classroom.”   

In the future, Chastang intends to become a medical doctor of infectious disease and acquire a doctorate in organic chemistry. Her research interest is in drug delivery while practicing medicine in low-resource settings. She hopes to transition her research toward novel approaches to antimalarial drug delivery. During her tenure at Howard, Chastang has participated in malaria research projects in Blantyre, Malawi and at the University of Utah. This summer, she will be studying chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico. 

On Howard’s campus Chastang is a member of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program’s fourth cohort, the Howard Model United Nations team, the Howard University Community Choir, and is helping develop Howard’s first International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGem) team as treasurer.  

“The Karsh STEM Scholars program community celebrates Kennedy Chastang on being selected as a Goldwater Scholar. This prestigious honor has been bestowed on a Karsh STEM scholar for four years in a row and has now become part of the tradition of academic and research excellence within the program,” said Ronald Smith, director of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program. “We are proud of outstanding achievements of the esteemed scholars who continue to demonstrate our one program standard which is excellence!” 

The Goldwater Scholarships recognize promising undergraduates who plan to pursue a Ph.D. or M.D. The scholarships provide $7,500 per year toward junior and senior year undergraduate expenses, including tuition, required books, and living expenses. Junior-level recipients may receive a maximum of two years of support. Senior-level recipients will receive one year of support.  

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