MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Isaac Puckett, of Whites Creek, has been named a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, an award recognizing the nation’s most promising undergraduate students in the fields of science, engineering and mathematics. 

Puckett, an honors student and a biochemistry major with extensive research experience, is among 441 students selected nationwide for the highly competitive scholarship.

The Goldwater Scholarship, established by Congress in 1986 in honor of Sen. Barry Goldwater, is the premier undergraduate award for students aspiring to research careers in STEM disciplines. The scholarship provides up to $7,500 per academic year to assist with tuition, fees, books, and room and board.

Puckett’s research focuses on novel fluorescent probes and the Knoevenagel Condensation reaction, a field with significant biological and cancer research applications. His dedication to scientific inquiry and problem-solving has shaped his academic and career trajectory.

“My research has been crucial in forming my goal of pursuing organic synthesis further,” Puckett said. “It has shown me how applicative the research is toward other fields, particularly cancer.”

Beyond his research, Puckett has actively contributed to the academic community through leadership and mentoring in organizations such as the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research, or SOAR; Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity, or URECA; and the Undergraduate Experiential Training, or U*NEXT, program. 

These experiences, he notes, have not only deepened his research skills but also connected him with invaluable mentors, including biology assistant professor April Weissmiller, whose program he says has prepared him to be a scientist able to collaborate with others and pursue opportunities such as this.

“I am very impressed by Isaac across many areas: his intellectual ability, work ethic, and drive to pursue his goals,” said Weissmiller. “He is a shining example of how someone can come from an underrepresented background with little family guidance yet achieve great things as he learns from all the mentors that invest into his life.”

Weissmiller is not the only one who has taken note of Puckett’s dedication and accomplishments. Jamie Burriss, director of MTSU’s Undergraduate Research Center, also highlighted his impressive track record in securing funding and supporting fellow students in research.

“Isaac has been awarded three URECA grants, which is a true testament to his skill in crafting clear, well-structured proposals, executing projects efficiently, and meeting the expectations set by faculty,” explained Burriss. “He has been instrumental in the publication and promotion of our Research Groups and Labs Directory, which has been essential to increasing opportunities for students to get involved in research and being successful in research endeavors.”

‘Incredible talent and ability’

Scott Handy, professor of chemistry at MTSU and Puckett’s research mentor, highlighted his student’s exceptional qualities.

“Isaac has a rare combination of incredible talent and ability, coupled with a drive to do his absolute best at anything he does,” Handy said. “He never does things just to add a line to a resume — he does them because they mean something and have value to him. His curiosity goes beyond memorizing facts; he genuinely wants to understand the ‘whys’ behind his work.”

Handy further emphasized how Puckett has evolved as a researcher under his mentorship.

“Isaac’s progression from closely guided student to independent researcher has exceeded my expectations. He is already operating at a level that will give him a significant advantage in graduate school,” Handy said. “His recognition as a Goldwater Scholar affirms that MTSU’s best students are as capable as those from top-tier institutions.”

Winning the Goldwater Scholarship is a milestone that will support Puckett’s continued research and academic endeavors. This summer, he will participate in the prestigious Chemical Biology Summer Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, furthering his scientific development.

His journey has not been without challenges. As a first-generation student from a disadvantaged background, Puckett has overcome obstacles to pursue his studies and extracurricular research. He believes his personal story and dedication to scientific discovery made his application stand out.

“He has balanced academic excellence with extensive employment responsibilities,” said Laura Clippard, Honors College advisor and undergraduate fellowships specialist, who helped Puckett with his application. “His perspective and adaptability have driven his success and fueled his aspiration to lead impactful cancer research that contributes to human health and advances scientific understanding.”

This is MTSU’s seventh consecutive Goldwater recipient, and the university has had 12 since the first in 2007, in addition to eight students receiving honorable mentions. 

Puckett’s recognition as a 2025 Goldwater Scholar highlights the strength of MTSU’s research programs and the university’s ability to prepare students for competitive national awards. As he continues his academic and professional journey, Puckett exemplifies the next generation of leaders in the natural sciences.

Puckett encourages other MTSU students to consider applying for the Goldwater Scholarship and to pursue opportunities that genuinely excite them. 

“Motivation is the key component to pursuing and winning any opportunity. Research and pursue a topic that challenges and inspires you to keep learning,” he said.

The next cycle for the Goldwater Scholarship opens in September and runs through January. MTSU students interested in applying should begin planning early, working with mentors and campus advisors to develop a strong application. 

For more information about the Goldwater Scholarship and how to apply, students should visit goldwaterscholarship.gov or contact Laura Clippard at laura.clippard@mtsu.edu. 

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)