Lauren Arnold and Hailey Bierling, juniors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, were given one of the highest awards for undergraduate STEM students when they were named 2024 Goldwater Scholars. Every year, select college sophomores and juniors are given the $7,500 scholarship to pursue research in the natural sciences, mathematics or engineering.
Arnold is an environmental science major with minors in Spanish and global health. For the past three years, she has researched water filtration systems’ effectiveness at removing sodium in high-risk hypertension communities.
“My research revealed that Zerowater, a company based outside of Philadelphia, effectively removes 99% of sodium from drinking water,” Arnold said. “This project has been of particular interest to me, given the intersection between the environment and public health.”
Arnold has a personal connection to her research, as her grandfather passed before she was born from a high-blood pressure-induced heart attack.
“I aspire to help identify a convenient, practical and affordable solution to help individuals reduce their risk to high blood pressure,” Arnold said.
The increased rate of sodium in tap water is caused by stormwater and winter road salt runoff in urbanized areas. Arnold noticed that this has the potential to affect marginalized communities the most.
“For example, 40% of Philadelphia residents identify as Black or African American, which is a community known to have higher risks of hypertension,” Arnold said. “Without affordable, effective water treatment strategies, populations such as this will have exacerbated risks. My person-centered approach to scientific research aims to employ community engagement to empower individuals to resolve health risks.”
Bierling is a chemistry major and has researched complexes capable of water oxidation for the past three years. Her studies could lead to a clean energy alternative to fossil fuels.
“I hope that my research serves as a major contribution to the solution of our world’s energy crisis,” Bierling said. “I know that it is impossible for me to complete this work on my own, so I hope that my work will inspire other novel approaches for tackling this challenge.”
Research is at the forefront of Bierling’s studies at Villanova, and she is thankful for the people surrounding her academic pursuits.
“My time at Villanova would not be what it has been without everyone in my research groups,” she said. “Not only do my fellow group members constantly help me become a better scientist, but they also make me a better person. This also includes my two advisors who decided to say yes almost three years ago when a quiet first-year student asked them about research. Dr. Paul and Dr. Kassel have been my biggest supporters at Villanova, and they always believe in me, even when I do not believe in myself. They have helped me to become the researcher that I am today.”
Both Arnold and Bierling are thankful for the opportunities the Goldwater Scholarship has given them.
“Thus far, it has provided valuable mentorship, collaboration opportunities and connections within my own field of study along with adjacent fields,” Arnold said. “I have attended various seminars, including ‘How to Increase DEI in Research, and Continuing Research Abroad,’ which have helped me further develop my skills as a researcher. There is also an online Goldwater conference that I will be attending and presenting at this summer.”
“The Goldwater Scholarship will provide me with additional resources so that I am better prepared for continuing my research journey beyond Villanova,” Bierling said. “The scholarship will also provide me with financial support that will allow me to continue my education and research at Villanova.”
Post-graduation, Arnold is looking to receive a master’s degree in public health, and she will continue to study the connection between environmental stressors and human health. Bierling will keep researching while pursuing her Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry.
