Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab has announced that students Malik Atadzhanov, Syeda Jannath and Maisha Uddin have been named Goldwater Scholars for the 2022-2023 academic year. The Hunter students represent three out of 417 awarded by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation from a pool of 1,242 outstanding undergraduates nominated by 433 institutions.
“It is an honor to celebrate Malik Atadzhanov, Syeda Jannath and Maisha Uddin for their academic accomplishments. We are deeply proud of these students, who serve as inspiration to our faculty, staff, and community,” said Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab. “This is the first time that Hunter has won three Goldwater Scholarships in the same year—a testament of the bright, capable, and intelligent academic community that continues to define the Hunter student body.”
About the Recipients
Malik Atadzhanov
Malik Atadzhanov is majoring in Environmental Studies and Russian. Born and raised in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Malik moved to the United States at age sixteen without knowing any English. He currently works with Professor Dallas Abbott, head of Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, on the timing and chemical composition of mid-sixth century submarine volcanic eruptions in the Tonga Volcanic Arc, in the Pacific Ring of Fire north of New Zealand. Malik’s long-term goal is to assemble and lead collaborations between U.S. and Tajik scientists on conserving the biodiversity of Central Asia.
Syeda Jannath
Syeda Jannath, a junior in the Thomas Hunter Honors Program, majors in Chemistry and Interdisciplinary Studies. Syeda hopes to investigate the molecular mechanisms of cancer and apply her findings to clinical settings to care for her patients. Syeda takes part in various research projects where she explores research from bench to bedside. After graduation, Syeda will be pursuing a Doctor of Medicine, and hopes to continue research through her training and beyond.
Maisha Uddin
Maisha Uddin is a junior in the Thomas Hunter Honors Program and McNulty Scholars Program, majoring in Biology and Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. She previously conducted psychology and clinical research, and now conducts immunology research investigating intestinal host-microbial interactions. After graduation, Maisha intends to pursue a Doctor of Medicine and, while continuing to conduct immunology research, looks forward to working closely with patients and mentoring other aspiring physicians and scientists.
About the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation
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. Goldwater Scholarships are provided to college sophomores and juniors pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering fields. The foundation helps to ensure that the U.S. is producing the number of highly qualified professionals needed by our nation in these critical fields.
