Two Radford University honors biology majors have earned one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate research awards.
Senior Grace Parton of Christiansburg and sophomore Trinity Roberts were named 2026 Goldwater Scholars, placing them among just over 400 recipients selected from nearly 1,500 top STEM sophomores and juniors nationwide. The scholarship provides up to $7,500 per academic year to support students pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.
Radford was one of only five institutions in Virginia with multiple Goldwater Scholars this year, alongside the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond, the College of William & Mary and Washington and Lee University.
Parton and Roberts conduct research in Professor of Biology Jason Davis’s ecophysiology lab, studying how Appalachian crayfish respond to environmental change.
“Grace’s work examines how aspects of crayfish physiology … shift under conditions of anthropogenic disturbance,” Davis said, noting a focus on water quality factors such as pH and dissolved oxygen. “Trinity’s work deals with how crayfish foraging patterns change … using a mathematical ‘game theory’ model.”
More broadly, Davis said, their research explores how environmental disruption affects species adaptation. “If we can understand patterns in how crayfish cope with challenges, we may be able to better understand how lots of other species do too.”
Niels Christensen, director of the Honors College, emphasized that Radford’s strength in undergraduate research helps position students for national awards. He added that the Honors College has a new position supporting students seeking a range of nationally competitive awards; Professor of English Laura Vernon is the honors faculty fellow for these awards.
“In this role, she will serve students from across campus (both honors and not honors) who wish to apply for opportunities like the Goldwater,” Christensen said.
Pam McCallister for Radford University
