Montgomery College Student Madeleine Soenens Makes History as First-Ever Goldwater Scholar

Montgomery College student Madeleine Soenens has been named a 2025 Barry Goldwater Scholar, marking the first time in the College's history that a student has received this prestigious honor. Montgomery College alumnus Luiz Mata Lopez, who currently attends the University of Maryland, was also named a Goldwater Scholar this year, further underscoring the quality of Montgomery College's academic programs and students.

The Goldwater Scholarship, widely considered the most prestigious undergraduate award in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering, recognizes exceptional college sophomores and juniors nationwide who demonstrate outstanding potential for research careers.

“Montgomery College is proud that this prestigious honor has been awarded to Madeleine Soenens, a student of exceptional talent and dedication,” said Montgomery College President Jermaine F. Williams. “The selection of Ms. Soenens—and recent MC graduate Luiz Mata Lopez—by the Goldwater Foundation is a powerful testament to their academic excellence, leadership, and innovative research. Their achievements will undoubtedly inspire many more students at the College to reach even greater heights.”  

Soenens, a Germantown Renaissance Scholar and STEM Scholar, has distinguished herself through her academic excellence. Her achievement highlights Montgomery College's commitment to providing community college students with exceptional opportunities in scientific research and academic advancement.

During her time at Montgomery College, Soenens has taken on leadership roles, including serving as President of the Germantown Campus Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is also an active member of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS).  

Soenens' research experience includes serving as Paul Peck Humanities (PPHI) Intern at the Library of Congress, where she conducted significant scientific research for her project. Her academic journey also features research on the impact of stress on cancer patients with Dr. Monzo during her PPHI internship. Additionally, Soenens has spent several semesters working alongside Dr. Thompson in Mathematics, exploring number theory and Wilson's Theorem, as well as collaborating with Dr. Koussa to study the anti-oxidant properties of micro-algae found in the Germantown Campus pond.

Mata Lopez previously received the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship while finishing his studies at MC. He participated in the NSF Research experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Maryland, College Park, served as collegewide STEM ambassador at MC, and was been part of the Raptors Who Code student club. He was also been a presenter at the Montgomery College STEM conference.   

The Goldwater Foundation selected 413 scholars from across the nation from a pool of over 5,000 applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship provides up to $7,500 per year to cover expenses related to tuition, fees, books, and room and board.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Barry Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years in the U.S. Senate.