Two Tufts University juniors, Julian Sutaria and Sofia Movafaghi, have been awarded one-year Goldwater Scholarships, according to an April 2 announcement. The scholarships are given to sophomores and juniors who plan to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering.
The recognition highlights the achievements of Sutaria and Movafaghi as they advance their academic and research goals. The Goldwater Scholarship is considered a prestigious award for students committed to scientific research.
Sutaria is majoring in engineering physics. He has collaborated with several faculty members at Tufts including Cristian Staii, associate professor of physics and astronomy; Ying Chen, research associate professor of biomedical engineering; Peggy Cebe, professor emerita of physics and astronomy; as well as Ph.D. student Udathari Kumarasinghe. Sutaria said he plans to pursue a doctorate in biophysics with a focus on interdisciplinary work between physics and biomedical engineering. In the summer of 2025, he conducted atomic force microscopy research related to neuroscience through the Summer Scholars Program at Tufts. “It is very exciting to be recognized as a Goldwater Scholar,” Sutaria said. “It gives me the confidence and motivation to continue developing research skills in the pursuit of a career in science.”
Movafaghi is majoring in biology at Tufts. She has worked with Sergei Mirkin, White Family Chair in Biology, as well as graduate student Nicholas Mandel. Movafaghi’s goal is to earn a doctorate so she can become a molecular geneticist leading her own laboratory focused on rare genetic diseases. She serves as an undergraduate student ambassador for the biology department where she mentors other students about academic pathways and departmental opportunities. Movafaghi received a Russell L. Carpenter Summer Internship for summer 2025 research work.
She has co-authored an article published by Nature Communications and is preparing another manuscript for submission while also serving as head teaching assistant for General Genetics courses at Tufts University. “It’s an honor to have received a Goldwater Scholarship,” she said. “I hope my experience inspires other budding scientists to ask hard questions, find new ways to answer them, and ultimately pursue their dreams as I have.”
The achievements by these students reflect ongoing efforts at Tufts University supporting undergraduate engagement with high-level scientific inquiry.
