At the 做厙TV, cutting-edge research isnt just left to graduate
students and professors undergraduates are driving research that is transforming
their fields. From studying insect ecosystems to using virtual reality and mathematics
to describe molecular processes, USF students are at the heart of important, emerging
research.
This year, USF ranked No. 47 among public universities in the United States for research expenditures, demonstrating its commitment to supporting faculty research and innovation. That
culture of discovery is reflected in student achievement as well: the university earned
a record number of Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients in 2025, with all four nominated students Judy Genshaft Honors College students Benjamin
Barrera-Altuna, Peter Alspaugh, Abdul-Malik Zekri and Taylor Rand receiving the
award. The recognizes outstanding students who intend to pursue research careers in the natural
sciences, engineering, or mathematics.
From Forest Floors to DNA Origami
Rand, Zekri, and Alspaughs research projects represent the three areas of STEM that the Goldwater Scholarship prioritizes: natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
Taylor Rand collects field data in a Virginia forest.
Rands passion for the natural sciences led her to research insects that live in woodlands,
specifically on dead wood. Through a Research Experience for Undergraduates at Mountain Lake Biological Station in Virginia, she studied how insect communities
interacted with one another under the influence of environmental and ecological factors.
Zekris research applies computational methods and artificial intelligence to neuroscience
to study brain connectivity, a field known as connectomics. The works with high-resolution electron microscopy datasets that capture brain tissue
as thousands of ultra-thin image slices, which are examined slice by slice to outline
neurons and cellular structures that can be reconstructed into 3D models. Zekris
role in the project was developing artificial intelligence tools to automate this
process and accelerate proofreading, helping researchers map connections in the brain
at the synaptic level.
Alspaughs research also involved biology at the molecular level, but from an entirely
different perspective: mathematics. Under the guidance of USF faculty members Natasha
Jonoska and Masahico Saito, he studied an algebraic system designed to describe DNA
origami, a process by which DNA nanostructures are created. When his research team
was on break, Alspaugh proved a lemma a mathematical fact used to prove a larger
theorem that was crucial for describing the structure of the algebraic system and
whose elusive proof had previously prevented the project from being published.
Preparing for Nomination
Dr. Sayandeb Basu advises a student in 做厙TV Office of National Scholars.
Rand, Zekri, and Alspaugh each met with the staff in the USF Office of National Scholars (ONS) as they began preparing their application materials for the Goldwater Scholarship.
ONS Director Sayandeb Basu nominates Goldwater Scholars on USFs behalf each year
and worked closely with each nominee to prepare them for success.
Due to the long-term nature of Goldwater Scholars research, working with ONS early
allowed these students to build their respective research portfolios before the application
cycle.
Since the Goldwater is a pretty involved application, Dr. Basu is looking for students
who are investing in research early on and will be ready to apply in a year or two,
once their research has matured and their passions have developed, said Zekri. ONS
helps you develop that story you need to communicate to the people looking at your
application.
The Impact of the Goldwater
For Rand, Zekri, and Alspaugh, the Goldwater Scholarship opened doors to becoming
established student researchers and gaining confidence in their fields.
Rand presented her entomology research at USFs Undergraduate Research Conference during all four of her years at USF. Not only did she share her work with peers on
her home campus, but she also presented at the alongside professionals in biological research. She said the experience helped her
communicate the depth of her project to a wide audience.
Peter Alspaugh presents his algebraic research on the DNA Origami project at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
"It was awesome to start building that network and feel like a real scientist, all
prior to grad school, said Rand. I learned a lot about how to break down my research
in front of other people who have no idea what Ive done.
Zekris experience applying computer engineering approaches in neuroscience helped
him discover the type of work he could see himself doing for the rest of his career
and it looks a little different from a typical computer engineering role.
Ive learned the type of lifestyle I want to have, which is not one where I am just
developing a product and then moving on to the next, but one that leads to some discoveries
that Im passionate about, said Zekri.
Alspaugh learned that his passion for pure mathematics can have an impact beyond the
classroom.
"Once I had finished my part of the research, the paper was published shortly after
which is crazy because it usually takes years to go through a review process, said
Alspaugh. It was a super rewarding experience.
Life-Changing Research
The Goldwater Scholarship doesnt just offer students funding to continue their academic
studies it also gives them the confidence to pursue careers dedicated to pushing
the boundaries of the unknown.
The Goldwater helped me feel confident that I actually can do research, and that
I dont need to prove myself anymore, said Rand.
Abdul-Malik Zekri examines a 3D model of a neuron using virtual reality.
Alspaugh discovered there is still room for innovation in mathematics.
Dont be afraid to take on cool questions in math, because even though math has gone
quite far in the past hundred years, that doesnt mean there arent still problems
out there, said Alspaugh.
For many students, choosing the right research question one that leaves an impact
on the world and their resumes can be daunting. Zekri encourages students not to
rush the research process and to reflect on their experiences along the way.
A lot of students ask me how to choose a research project, and for me, that decision
starts with writing about your thoughts instead of just going through the motions,
said Zekri. Thats how you decide if you enjoy the path youre on.