Three University of Richmond juniors — Anna Johnson, Nicholas Parlavecchio, and Eric Zhou — have been awarded the Goldwater Scholarship, one of the most prestigious honors for undergraduates pursuing careers in science, mathematics, and engineering. The award recognizes academic excellence and strong potential for future research leadership.

Two of this year’s Goldwater Scholars, Johnson and Zhou, are mentored by chemistry professor Wade Downey and conduct research with implications in pharmaceutical development.

Johnson, a chemistry major, works in synthetic chemistry, developing new chemical reactions. Her work includes a novel method to construct nitrogen-containing molecules structures that feature multiple interconnected rings, the type of complex molecular scaffold often critical in drug design.

Reflecting on her motivation, Johnson said, “I think the goal of every synthetic chemist is to contribute to the betterment of society in some capacity. For me, the idea that I could develop a reaction on a Monday that the pharmaceutical industry uses on a Tuesday is incredibly exciting.”

She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry, focusing on difficult-to-build hydrocarbon structures that could expand the toolkit for drug discovery.

Zhou, a chemistry major with a minor in biology, studies organic chemistry, specifically indole synthesis. Zhou plans to pursue both a Ph.D. in chemical biology and an M.D. in internal medicine with the goal of becoming a physician-scientist at an academic institution. He hopes to lead a lab researching chemical probes to explain disease mechanisms.

“For many diseases, we still lack full understanding of their mechanism of action,” said Zhou, who is also a Richmond Scholar and Beckman Scholar. “Manipulating biological systems is at the intersection of chemistry and biology and often requires an interdisciplinary approach. My education and research plan will expose me to a wide scope of knowledge so that I may contribute toward new scientific understanding.”

Parlavecchio, a double major in biology and geography, approaches research from a different angle — blending ecology with spatial data. Working with biology professor Jonathan Richardson, he investigates urban ecosystems, using geographic information systems to better understand how wildlife, particularly rodents, interact with city environments.

His work touches on practical challenges, from conservation strategies to managing rat populations in dense urban areas. “Through these experiences, I have developed both a strong biological foundation and the technical skills needed to integrate spatial technologies into ecological inquiry,” said Parlavecchio.

He plans to pursue a Ph.D. and hopes to specialize in spatial ecology and work at a government agency such as the National Park Service.

Since the scholarship’s founding in 1986, Richmond students have earned 46 Goldwater awards.

“University of Richmond students are competitive for this prestigious award due to both their commitment to rigorous academics and the steadfast commitment of their faculty mentors,” said Dana Kuchem, director of the Office of Scholars and Fellowships.