Four UNC Charlotte students earn nationally competitive awards

Congratulations to the following UNC Charlotte students who recently were awarded nationally competitive summer and extended study opportunities.

Ainella Rysbayeva, a junior biology major in the Biological Sciences Honors and University Honors Programs, was selected as a Barry Goldwater Scholar, the preeminent STEM award for undergraduates. She works in the Truman Lab with Andrew Truman, associate professor of biological sciences. Rysbayeva is UNC Charlotte’s fourth Goldwater Scholar.

Jalen London, a Martin Scholar and sophomore nursing major in the Honors College, was selected for a place in Harvard University’s Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program. He conducts microbiology research in the Afonin Lab with Kirill Afonin, professor of chemistry. London declined other summer research opportunities at Wake Forest University, the University of Rochester and the University of Chicago to study at Harvard.

Bryan Lopez Villanueva, a Martin Scholar and junior international business major in the Business Honors Program, was selected for a place in Harvard Business School’s Summer Ventures in Management Program. On campus, he serves as president of the Latinx Student Union, a community service-based student organization with 180+ members that focuses on serving Latinx students and the greater Charlotte community.

Ellie McCutchen, a Levine Scholar and sophomore triple majoring in political science, sociology and economics with a minor in Chinese, was awarded the Critical Language Scholarship for summer study in Taiwan. This competitive program is awarded by the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S Government and administered by American Councils for International Education.