Congratulations to the 2026 Goldwater Scholars. Two-(2) of which are Nuclear minors in the Department of Environmental Engineering & Earth Scieces.
Andrew “Drew” Hodges is a junior majoring in physics with a minor in nuclear engineering and radiological science. His faculty mentors include Stephen Kaeppler, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, and Timothy DeVol, Toshiba Professor of Nuclear Engineering.
Meridee Ritzer is a sophomore National Scholar majoring in chemistry with minors in geology and nuclear engineering. Her Clemson faculty mentors include William Pennington, an alumni distinguished professor of Chemistry and special assistant to the Dean; Colin McMillen, a principal lecturer in chemistry; and Michael Cowen, a lecturer in mathematical and statistical sciences.
These students are among the 454 new Goldwater Scholars selected from 1,485 national nominees (each university may nominate four students, as well as one transfer and one student veteran.) With these new Scholars, Clemson has had 69 Goldwater Scholars selected since the program’s inception in 1989.
You can read more about their achievement here. Go Tigers!
