(L: Asa Ashley, R: Charlie Uland)

Charles Uland and Asa Ashley have been named Goldwater Scholars. They are two of only five students at Kentucky universities to earn this honor in the 2024-25 application cycle. This year marks a milestone for WKU: since 1989 a total of 30 WKU undergraduates have earned Barry Goldwater Scholarships, the preeminent nationally competitive award designed to identify, encourage, and financially support outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship, established by the U.S. Congress in 1986, identifies and honors sophomore and junior university students who excel in STEM disciplines and who show great promise in becoming future leaders in their field. Widely considered to be the most prestigious undergraduate STEM award conferred in the U.S., this year there were more than 5000 applicants,1350 nominees, and 441 awards. Winners receive up to $7,500 annually to support their undergraduate tuition, fees and books, and room and board.

Charles (Charlie) Uland, the son of Tasha and Will Uland from Bowling Green, is a rising senior studying Chemistry and Computer Science. He conducts research into the design, discovery, and optimization of novel materials using computational chemistry techniques under the mentorship of Dr. Bangbo Yan. He has presented his research and findings at such venues as the national American Chemical Society conference and the Kentucky Academy of Sciences. Charlie is an active student in the Ogden College of Science and Engineering, being the president of the Chemistry Club, an assistant at the Hardin Planetarium, and an ambassador for the WKU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He is also a member of Phi Gamma Delta and tutors for the WKU Department of Computer Science. Charlie plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry and specialize in the design of novel materials, such as polymers and catalysts. He ultimately hopes to become a university professor.

“I am so proud of him for earning the Goldwater Scholarship.” Dr. Bangbo Yan said when asked to describe Charlie and his research. “It’s a testament to his dedication and passion in research.”

“[OSD] was very useful to really clarify my future goals and think about the career I want to pursue,” said Charlie. “I’m thankful for the mentorship I received from Dr. Bangbo Yan and the entire chemistry department.”

Asa Ashley, also from Bowling Green, will become a Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science graduate in May 2025. He has not yet decided where he will complete his undergraduate studies but plans to continue his research in theoretical physics, differential topology, and application-driven mathematical physics. With guidance from his research mentor, Valentino Simpao, Asa has presented his research at numerous national and international conferences, such as those held by the American Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the American Society of Chemical Engineers, as well as at many other meetings and symposia.

When asked to describe Asa as a researcher, Valentino Simpao replied, “Par excellence. I’m very happy for him.’

“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Bradley Smith and the WKU Office of Scholar Development for their unwavering support and guidance during my application process,” said Asa, reflecting on his journey applying for the Goldwater Scholarship. “I would also like to thank my mentor Valentino Simpao for introducing me to the study of theoretical physics and for supporting my research endeavors in noncommutative quantum gravity.” Asa plans to pursue his Ph.D. in differential topology, and he aspires to advocate for science-driven policies and support the development of educational pathways that empower future researchers.

Charlie and Asa prepared their applications with support from Bradley Smith and the WKU Office of Scholar Development, as well as their research mentors Dr. Bangbo Yan and Valentino Simpao (respectively). They were nominated by a committee of WKU faculty and staff.

Competitive Goldwater candidates have strong academics (3.0+ GPA), independent research experience, and a desire to become a leader in your STEM field. Students interested in applying for the Barry Goldwater scholarship should contact Bradley Smith in the Office of Scholar Development and their research mentor to get started.

About the Office of Scholar Development: OSD mentors students applying for nationally competitive scholarships for “academic extras” such as study abroad, research, professional experience, and more. From first drafts to final submissions with multiple revisions in between, OSD helps students make more possible. By conceptualizing and revising the stories they tell in application essays and interviews, students better understand their strengths, interests, and purpose—and explore multiple possible pathways to that work.