Tech Students Honored

LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES THE remarkable achievement of two Biomedical Engineering juniors, Catherine Lacey and Rebekah Lindblade, who have been honored as Barry Goldwater Scholars. Catherine and Rebekah’s selection as Goldwater Scholars marks a significant milestone for Louisiana Tech, as they become the university’s first recipients of this esteemed award since its inception in 1989.

The Goldwater Scholarship Program garnered nominations from 1,267 students representing 427 academic institutions this year, with only 413 Scholars ultimately chosen. Of these Scholars, 197 are men and 203 are women, encompassing various majors. Among them, 48 specialize in mathematics and computer science, 308 major in the natural sciences, and 57 focus on engineering.

Dr. Joe Koskie, Director of the Honors Program, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements, emphasizing the Nationally Competitive Awards initiative that allowed Catherine and Rebekah to shine on a broader stage. The connection between Louisiana Tech and the Goldwater Foundation marks a tremendous honor for the university.

Dr. Mary Caldorera-Moore, the program chair of Biomedical Engineering at Louisiana Tech, commended both Catherine and Rebekah for embodying the qualities of a Goldwater Scholar, highlighting their unwavering commitment to a research career.

Catherine Lacey, a junior in Biomedical Engineering with an Electrical Engineering minor, has been actively involved in various research projects throughout her time at Louisiana Tech. Collaborating with neurosurgery doctors from LSU Shreveport, she is working on developing a hydrogel coating to enhance the biocompatibility of implantable electrodes. Additionally, Catherine is part of a collaborative effort with students from different universities and researchers at the University of Florida and Johnson and Johnson to create a multifunctional accessory to increase independence for wheelchair users. Her previous experiences include participation in the Nanomanufacturing Systems Center Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Texas, Austin, where she designed a bio-stimulation device based on electromyography (EMG) monitoring feedback. Catherine’s future plans include pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, with a focus on bioinstrumentation and research related to medical devices and sensors.

Rebekah Lindblade, another junior in Biomedical Engineering, has been actively engaged in diverse research projects during her tenure at Louisiana Tech. Collaborating with Dr. Teresa Murray, Rebekah participated in studying the impact of a new drug on specimens with traumatic brain injury, as well as working on neural probes to monitor brain signals preceding seizures. Recently, Rebekah collaborated with a team of researchers at Texas A&M University on a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) focused on developing a bio-barcode system for continuous glucose monitoring. She aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, intending to focus her research on heart disease, treatment procedures, and the design of preventative and curative devices.

Louisiana Tech University takes immense pride in Catherine and Rebekah’s achievements as Barry Goldwater Scholars, recognizing the valuable contributions they have made and continue to make to the field of Biomedical Engineering. Their dedication to research and academic excellence exemplifies the spirit of the Goldwater Scholarship.