Faith Yost, a Biology major at Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was named a 2026 Goldwater Scholar by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, according to an April 10 announcement. The scholarship is awarded annually to sophomores and juniors nationwide who are pursuing research careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
The recognition is considered one of the most prestigious awards for undergraduate students aiming for research careers in these fields. The award provides financial support to help recipients continue their academic work.
University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti said, “Faith’s recognition as a Goldwater Scholar is a testament to her academic achievements, dedication to research and commitment to fieldwork. A true Villanova researcher, she is harnessing her intellectual curiosity and passion for conservation science to ignite change for the common good. We congratulate Faith on her selection and look forward to seeing the impact of her work in the years ahead.”
Yost has focused on wildlife biology with an emphasis on conservation and sustainability efforts in tropical environments. She has participated in research projects across Pennsylvania, Florida, and internationally since her first year at Villanova. Under the mentorship of faculty members Samantha Chapman and Adam Langley from Villanova’s Biology department, she contributed to studies involving coastal wetland plants and soil nitrogen analysis.
Her summer fellowship project examined mutualistic relationships between fungi and mangrove trees in Florida’s black mangrove ecosystems—work that earned first place honors at both university-level symposiums and national conferences. Yost further expanded her experience through study abroad programs in the Galapagos Islands where she researched pollinator species diversity.
In addition to internships with organizations such as the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Elmwood Park Zoo, Yost plans further ecological restoration work this summer with Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. Looking ahead, she intends to pursue doctoral studies focused on invasive species impacts within tropical ecosystems.
