KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 3, 2025

Kennesaw State University junior Siam Sarower has been awarded the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, one of the highest honors bestowed on undergraduate STEM students.

Sarower, who researches light-matter interactions in condensed matter physics, is the first physics major, and sixth Goldwater Scholar from Kennesaw State joining Jiexi Liao (2013), Biya Haile (2019), Trae Dunn (2020), Angel Vasquez (2022), and Derek Price II (2023). He was chosen from a pool of more than 5,000 college sophomores and juniors representing 445 institutions nationwide.

Sarower's successful application was made possible with the support of KSU's Office of National and International Scholarships and Fellowships. The office helps students navigate the application process for prestigious awards. Michelle Miles, Ph.D., the campus representative for the Goldwater Awards, has mentored all the Goldwater winners since 2019.

“It's a sign you're heading in the right direction with research, but one award doesn't define us,” said Sarower, a physics major with a mathematics minor. “It's indicative of hard work over a number of years that really contributes to this research project, and we have to keep pushing the limits of our knowledge and constantly innovate to understand more about the physical world.”

A first-generation college student in the KSU Journey Honors College, Sarower is one of 441 scholarship recipients nationwide. He is a research student in the theoretical condensed matter physics group of assistant professor of physics Mahmoud Asmar. As a Birla Carbon Scholar in 2024, Sarower studied the dynamical control of graphene’s electronic properties via irradiation. The research evolved into exploring the interplay between light and material irregularities and how they determine physical properties, such as the ability of the material to conduct. His findings will have practical applications in quantum computing, paving the way for quantum devices and robust quantum processing.

Earlier this month, Sarower also won the American Physical Society (APS) Doc Brown Future of Physics Days Travel Award for a presentation at the APS Global Physics Summit 2025.

“The Goldwater Scholarship is among the highest honors for the best and brightest students in the nation and we are proud to congratulate Siam on this impressive distinction,” President Kathy S. Schwaig said. “With his selection, Siam joins a remarkable group of recent KSU Goldwater Scholars and continues our proud tradition of excellence in undergraduate research.” 

Heather Koopman, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, said the award spotlights KSU’s growing national prominence.

“This prestigious award reflects the commitment that the Department of Physics and the College of Science and Mathematics have for achieving national prominence in undergraduate research,” Koopman said. “It also highlights how amazing our students are and showcases the world-class research being carried out in physics. I first met Siam at the Birla Carbon Scholars Symposium this summer, and I listened to him explain his work to me with such passion and determination that I knew he was destined for success.”

Karen Kornweibel, dean of the KSU Journey Honors College, praised Sarower’s initiative in getting involved with research early on after finding a topic that interested him.

“Siam exemplifies the honors experience at Kennesaw State University with our focus on academic excellence and experiential learning,” Kornweibel said. “He is intelligent, curious, hard-working, and eager to take advantage of opportunities, like the undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities he has pursued. The Goldwater award is a testament to his exceptional dedication and academic excellence.”

Sarower credits his physics mentors – Asmar and Ohio University professor of physics Nancy Sandler, who collaborates with the Asmar research group– for his success. Additionally, he thanks KSU professor of mathematics Jennifer Vandenbussche for her constant support. In the future, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in physics with a goal of obtaining a job as a researcher where he can create interactive lectures to inspire the next generation of scientists.

“Siam’s journey in my group has been a clear testament to his growth as a scientist,” Asmar said. “Earning this prestigious scholarship marks not only a remarkable achievement but also an important first step toward his long-term goal of becoming a world-renowned scientist.”

– Story by Dave Shelles

Photos by Darnell Wilburn Jr.

 

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.