Dorothy Beck, a second-year biomedical engineering student, is one of two University of Virginia student researchers named Goldwater Scholars for their work in merging scientific fields. Beck and Ishaan Patel, a third-year biochemistry and physics major, are among the 441 Goldwater Scholars for 2025.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, an ongoing partnership with UWorld and the U.S. Department of Defense National Defense Education Programs, announced the awards. Each scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per full academic year.
The University nominated both students for the scholarships through a process administered by the Office of Citizen Scholar Development, home to fellowships and undergraduate research.
‘To Have a Tangible Impact on Human Health’
Beck, of Denver, has long loved science.
“As I got older, I realized that scientific disciplines such as biology, mathematics and physics are not isolated fields but are deeply and intricately connected — each incomplete without the others,” she said. “Biomedical engineering exists at the intersection of these fields, weaving together the precision of engineering with the complexity of unpredictable living systems, to have a tangible impact on human health.”
Beck’s research combines computer-modeled disease cells with biological materials to study their reactions and gain an understanding of how diseases work.
“I am particularly focused on how my model can help us design and optimize these hydrogel scaffolds to form vasculature, with applications ranging from wound healing to cancer,” she said.
By building and validating models, Beck’s work has the potential to achieve at least two key breakthroughs.
“First, we might be able to use a model to predict how material design will influence vascular growth. This would be important for designing better regenerative materials,” said Chris Highley, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering and chemical engineering.
“Second, it might also help describe biological responses to material systems. This could be important in understanding healing responses to implanted materials.”
Beck is also leading a multi-university study examining the implications of generative artificial intelligence in biomedical engineering education.
“This collaboration resulted from my research presentation at a national conference, and we are working collaboratively to assess student perceptions and the educational impact of generative AI in agent-based modeling,” Beck said.
Biomedical engineering professor and department chair Shayn Peirce-Cottler, Beck’s mentor, described her as “a powerhouse with unlimited potential.”
She is fearless when it comes to testing out her ideas in the lab.
“She has a knack for identifying connections between fields and a driving curiosity that fuels her tireless energy to design, create and experiment,” Peirce-Cottler said. “She is fearless when it comes to testing out her ideas in the lab and she puts in the long hours, even on weekends, to push her creative ideas from conception to fruition. Most people who meet her think she’s a senior graduate student because her knowledge is so deep and she has already accomplished so much in the lab.”
Beck said receiving a Goldwater Scholarship affirms her decision to pursue a research career and reinforces that she is on a path to making a meaningful impact in science and engineering.
“I am really excited to meet generations of students and researchers who have also received this prestigious award,” Beck said. “This community of scholars includes some of the most gifted scientists across the country, and I look forward to connecting with peers across scientific disciplines.”
Outside the lab, Beck is a resident adviser, organizes outreach for the Society of Women Engineers, works with local middle and high school students, and volunteers with UVA Health through Madison House.
Story adapted from its original version published by UVA Today.