College of Charleston Junior Named Goldwater Scholar
College of Charleston junior Alexander Bielicki has been named a 2026-27 Goldwater Scholar.
College of Charleston junior Alexander Bielicki has been named a 2026-27 Goldwater Scholar. Bielicki, a triple-major in physics, astrophysics and mathematics, is one of 454 students selected for the program.
Annually, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation works in partnership with UWorld and the Department of Defense’s National Defense Education Program to identify, encourage and financially support outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering and mathematics. Students receive up to $7,500 per academic year. The scholarship is named in honor of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater.
“The Goldwater Scholarship recognizes students who have the curiosity, discipline and vision to become the next generation of research leaders,” says Chandra S. Pemmasani, founder and CEO of UWorld. “UWorld is proud to support these scholars as they pursue discoveries that will advance science, strengthen health care and benefit society.”
“Being named a Goldwater Scholar has been a huge affirmation to both my academic and research efforts,” says Bielicki, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina. “Growth as a researcher is difficult to measure day to day, and, before being named a Goldwater Scholar, I was unsure whether I was doing enough to prepare myself for a career in theoretical physics. I am now more confident that the work I’ve done and the work I’m doing now is going in the right direction, and I hope this confidence will drive me to conduct my research even better.”
After completing his academic journey at the College, Bielicki plans to earn a Ph.D. studying advanced mathematical theories that try to explain the fundamental structure of the universe, including how gravity and quantum physics fit together.
“I hope this opportunity will open up many avenues of research, both domestic and international,” he says.
“This year the Goldwater Scholarship celebrates its 40th anniversary, and we are excited to mark this occasion by adding Alexander to the growing list of College of Charleston recipients of this prestigious award,” says Jesslyn Collins-Frohlich, director of the College of Charleston Office of Nationally Competitive Awards, which helps students find and apply for awards that support their studies, research projects, learning new languages and studying abroad.
