���ϲ����� student Mick Williams has been awarded a 2026 , one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate awards for students pursuing research careers in science, engineering, and mathematics.

Williams, a third-year biology and art double major from Huntersville, NC, was selected from an estimated pool of more than 5,000 college sophomores and juniors nationwide. In 2026, 454 scholarships were awarded by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.

Williams’ research focuses on supporting the reintroduction of blight-resistant chestnut trees and ongoing restoration efforts for a species once dominant in eastern North American forests.

“American chestnuts are functionally extinct. They don’t typically grow to sexual maturity in the wild,” said Williams. “Our hope is that by understanding which communities they’re most successful with early on, we can increase their survivability in the wild.”

“Mick’s success in earning the Goldwater Scholarship is a testament to what becomes possible when students are given the right support and opportunities,” said Jonathan Horton, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Biology Department at ���ϲ����� Asheville, who nominated Williams for the scholarship. “This kind of work — contributing to the restoration of a once-dominant tree species — is precisely the type of problem-solving we hope to empower every student to pursue.” Williams credits UNC Asheville’s small class sizes and mentorship opportunities with helping shape their research experience and academic goals.

“I like how small UNC Asheville is because I’m able to make connections with my professors,” Williams said. “It helps a lot to have mentors and learn about their journeys. They’re not always straight lines.”

The Goldwater Scholarship provides up to $7,500 in support for undergraduate study and is designed to identify and encourage outstanding students who intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

Established by Congress in 1986, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has awarded more than 11,600 scholarships nationwide. The scholarship is widely considered the preeminent undergraduate award of its kind in STEM fields, with many recipients going on to earn prestigious fellowships such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship, and Churchill Scholarship.

Williams is also a first generation student, a Trio Student Support Services Mentor, and an Academic Success Center Assistant. Their recognition reflects UNC Asheville’s commitment to undergraduate research and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for advanced study and impactful careers.

About UNC Asheville

Founded in 1927, UNC Asheville is a proud member of the . With award-winning faculty, small class sizes, and 90+ academic programs in the natural sciences, human sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences, the University is recognized for its robust paid internship programs to prepare students to immediately enter the workforce. In the , UNC Asheville is ranked No. #9 in Top Public Schools, and No. #7 in to Green Colleges. Known as the Bulldogs, UNC Asheville student-athletes compete in 16 NCAA Division I Teams in the Big South Conference. For more information, please visit:.