Holly Kundel Named 2018 Goldwater Scholar

submitted by obrienk@augsburg.edu

We are excited to announce that junior biology major Holly Kundel has been recognized as a 2018 Goldwater Scholar. Kundel, who is also pursuing minors in environmental studies and mathematics, has been involved with research at Augsburg since the summer after her first year when she worked with Dr. Emily Schilling on a project related to the Canada Darner dragonfly. She is also a member of Tri-Beta, the Augsburg Honors Program, and Campus Ministry.

The Goldwater Scholarship will provide tuition assistance for Kundel’s senior year of undergraduate study and set her apart in her future graduate school applications. She aspires to earn a PhD in environmental biology, focusing specifically freshwater ecosystems and the impact of climate change on these systems, including pollution prevention and ecosystem restoration. “I believe that research on freshwater ecosystems is important because freshwater is a limited resource, and it is a resource that humans and other animals rely on for survival,” writes Kundel.

1280 of the top STEM undergraduates from around the country applied, and only 211 were awarded scholarships. Congratulations to Holly on this prestigious recognition!