5 minute read
Rewarding Research
First-generation student latest at MTSU to strike Goldwater
By Robin E. Lee
Through extensive research as an undergraduate at MTSU, Isaac Puckett has excelled to the point that he recently earned a nationally competitive Barry Goldwater Scholarship. He also participated in the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s prestigious Chemical Biology Summer Program in New York City in 2025.
Puckett, an Honors student and Biochemistry major, ranks among only 441 students selected across the country for the Goldwater Scholarship, which recognizes the nation’s most promising students in science, engineering, and mathematics.
His journey has not been without challenges, either. As a first-generation student from a disadvantaged background, Puckett has overcome obstacles to pursue his studies and extracurricular research. He believes his personal story and dedication to scientific discovery made his application stand out.
“He has balanced academic excellence with extensive employment responsibilities,” said Laura Clippard, Honors advisor and undergraduate fellowships specialist, who helped Puckett with his application.
“His perspective and adaptability have driven his success and fueled his aspiration to lead impactful cancer research that contributes to human health and advances scientific understanding.”
Puckett is MTSU’s seventh consecutive Goldwater recipient and its 12th since the first in 2007, while eight students additionally have received honorable mention.
“Isaac has a rare combination of incredible talent and ability, coupled with a drive to do his absolute best at anything he does,” said Scott Handy, a Chemistry professor and Puckett’s research mentor.
“He never does things just to add a line to a resume— he does them because they mean something and have value to him. His curiosity goes beyond memorizing facts; he genuinely wants to understand the ‘whys’ behind his work.”
CANCER RESEARCH POTENTIAL
Puckett’s research focuses on novel fluorescent probes and the Knoevenagel condensation reaction, a field with significant biological and cancer research applications.
“My research has been crucial in forming my goal of pursuing organic synthesis further,” Puckett said. “It has shown me how applicative the research is toward other fields, particularly cancer.”
Winning the Goldwater Scholarship is a milestone that will support Puckett’s continued research and academic endeavors. Puckett, from Whites Creek, will receive up to $7,500 per academic year to assist with tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Established by Congress in 1986 in honor of late Sen. Barry Goldwater, the scholarship is the premier undergraduate award for students aspiring to research careers in STEM disciplines.
Beyond his research, Puckett has actively contributed to the academic community through leadership and mentoring in organizations such as the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR), Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity (URECA), and the Undergraduate Experiential Training (U*NEXT) program.
These experiences, he notes, have not only deepened his research skills but also connected him with invaluable mentors, such as April Weissmiller, a Biology assistant professor. Puckett says her program prepared him to be a scientist able to collaborate with others and pursue opportunities like the Goldwater.
“I am very impressed by Isaac across many areas: his intellectual ability, work ethic, and drive to pursue his goals,” Weissmiller said. “He is a shining example of how someone can come from an underrepresented background with little family guidance yet achieve great things as he learns from all the mentors that invest into his life.”
INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS
Jamie Burriss, director of MTSU’s Undergraduate Research Center, also highlighted Puckett’s impressive track record in securing funding and supporting fellow students in research.
“Isaac has been awarded three URECA grants, which is a true testament to his skill in crafting clear, well-structured proposals, executing projects efficiently, and meeting the expectations set by faculty,” Burriss said. “He has been instrumental in the publication and promotion of our Research Groups and Labs Directory, which has been essential to increasing opportunities for students to get involved in research and being successful in research endeavors.”
Puckett encourages other MTSU students to consider applying for the Goldwater Scholarship and to pursue opportunities that genuinely excite them.
“Motivation is the key component to pursuing and winning any opportunity,” he said. “Research and pursue a topic that challenges and inspires you to keep learning.”
The next cycle for the Goldwater Scholarship opens this September and runs through January 2026. Interested MTSU students should begin planning early, working with mentors and campus advisors to develop a strong application.
“Isaac’s progression from closely guided student to independent researcher has exceeded my expectations. He is already operating at a level that will give him a significant advantage in graduate school,” Handy said. “His recognition as a Goldwater Scholar affirms that MTSU’s best students are as capable as those from top-tier institutions.”
Puckett’s recognition as a 2025 Goldwater Scholar highlights the strength of MTSU’s research programs and the University’s ability to prepare students for competitive national awards. As he continues his academic and professional journey, Puckett exemplifies the next generation of leaders in the natural sciences.
LEARN MORE
Visit goldwaterscholarship.gov or email laura.clippard@mtsu.edu.
