Four University of Richmond students have earned highly competitive national scholarships to support their research on cancer and other serious health challenges. Their work, guided by expert faculty mentors, is helping lay the foundation for future medical breakthroughs.

Phoebe Rubio and Arielle Vinnikov received Goldwater Scholarships, which are among the most coveted and prestigious undergraduate awards in science and mathematics. UR has produced 43 Goldwater Scholars since the program’s inception in 1986, including these latest awards.

Rubio, a senior majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, is studying organic chemistry and chemical biology under the mentorship of chemistry professor Christopher Shugrue. Her work focuses on developing cleavable linkers, which are small molecules that enable the controlled release of drugs in specific environments.

“My research has given me a strong basis in experimental design, small molecule chemistry, and data analysis,” said Rubio, who plans to pursue a Ph.D. and hopes to lead a research laboratory focused on cancer drug development and discovery within the pharmaceutical industry.

Vinnikov, a junior double majoring in chemistry and health studies and minoring in music, is studying nanomaterials under the mentorship of chemistry professor Michael Leopold. Nanomaterials can be used to build sensors that can electrochemically detect and quantify various drugs. This type of sensor can provide information for first-responders, physicians, or forensic investigators for faster diagnoses and treatment recommendations while minimizing exposure to unwanted chemicals. Vinnikov is the 10th Goldwater scholar Leopold has mentored in his more than 20 years of teaching at UR.

“I hope to pursue a career as a physician-scientist dedicated to research in an academic medical center specializing in cancer detection and treatment,” said Vinnikov.

Brice Di Carlo and Eric Zhou were each awarded a prestigious Beckman Foundation Scholarship. Beckman Scholars are selected among undergraduate biology and chemistry students based on commitment to research, strong academics, and potential to become scientific leaders. UR has had 28 Beckman Scholars since 2006.

Di Carlo is a chemistry major studying chemical bonding using various computational methods. This work has implications for developing new medicines and improving existing ones. His faculty mentor is chemistry professor Kelling Donald. Di Carlo, who will graduate in 2027, plans to pursue a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry and aspires to research drug development, including treatments for cardiovascular disease.

“Medicinal chemistry is key to better understanding disease, exploring drug development, and contributing to research behind so many of the great therapies and medicines that improve human health and well-being,” said Di Carlo. “I've realized that advancing my education in chemistry and contributing to research is another powerful way to improve lives and meaningfully serve those affected by disease.”

Eric Zhou, also from the Class of 2027, is majoring in chemistry and minoring in physics. Under the mentorship of chemistry professor Wade Downey, Zhou is studying organic chemistry — specifically indole synthesis. Indoles are building blocks for various pharmaceutical drugs, including anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and anticancer drugs. Zhou aspires to become a physician-scientist at an academic institution and hopes to open a lab researching targeted drug treatments for cancer.

“Cancer is one of the most difficult diseases to treat due to how much it varies from person to person,” said Zhou. “Finding a definitive cure is a near-impossible task, and it is no surprise that treatment often entails a multidisciplinary approach. My education and research plan will enable me to understand a wide scope of knowledge at a deep level so that I may develop new treatments to help fight against cancer.”

Beckman and Goldwater Scholars often continue their education at the nation's top graduate programs, and many compete for and receive additional prestigious opportunities, including NSF graduate research fellowships.