Stories

Santa Clara University student Megan Baldemor ’26 has been named a 2025 Goldwater Scholar, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for undergraduates in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

Baldemor was among just 441 students selected nationwide from a competitive pool of thousands of applicants. She will receive up to $7,500 towards continued undergraduate research and academic study at Santa Clara University, where she has been conducting advanced work alongside dedicated faculty mentors. 

Entering college, Baldemor, now a junior biology major and chemistry minor from Hawai‘i, never imagined majoring in a science field, let alone a possible career. 

“I've been dancing since I was three, and it’s always been a big part of who I am. I took a Physics of Dance class with Richard Barber, who has sadly passed away, and he really impacted me,” said Baldemor. “He connected dance with science in this fun, thoughtful way that got me even more curious about the world. I used to hang out during his office hours, just chatting about physics and all sorts of science stuff. He encouraged me to keep following that path, and honestly, he’s a big reason why I stayed excited about science.”

Additional science classes followed, and Baldemor discovered a profound interest in neuroscience. She is a member of the Cocas Lab at Santa Clara University. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Laura Cocas, she is investigating the impact of seizure activity on oligodendrocyte development and function. The team published a paper on its findings in November 2024 

After graduation, Baldemor plans to pursue a doctorate in molecular, cell, and developmental biology. She is particularly interested in uncovering the molecular basis of neural plasticity and exploring therapies that could restore memory function for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Outside of the classroom, Baldemor is a former Ignatian Fellow and former dance team member. She is active in the Department of Theater and Dance, appearing in productions such as the annual Images showcase. Baldemor and her roommate, Jasmine Vu ’25 (Chemistry), founded Santa Clara Kids ARTopia, a non-profit that provides opportunities for children to engage in the arts. They were recently awarded a Donald A. Strauss Scholarship, which will enable them to provide after-school art workshops at two Title I schools and a low-cost art summer camp for up to 20 children.