Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship awarded to Wooster chemistry major

Victoria Finizio ’27, a chemistry major and mathematics minor at The College of Wooster, was one of 454 students awarded the Goldwater Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year by the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. The scholarship supports outstanding college sophomores and juniors interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. From an estimated pool of more than 5,000 students, 1,485 students were nominated by 482 academic institutions.

“Victoria is an excellent student who is truly deserving of this recognition. She has extensive research experience in several different subfields of chemistry and has been stellar in the classroom, being recognized for outstanding academic achievement with numerous departmental awards,” said James West, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, biology, and chemistry. West and Joe Smith, assistant professor of statistical and data sciences, co-serve as Wooster’s campus representatives for the scholarship competition.

Finizio said she was very excited to be recognized. “Receiving this award has increased my confidence in my abilities as a scientist,” she said. “I feel more capable of achieving my goals, which will help me go forward with my education with a bit more certainty.” She came to Wooster, in part, because of her positive impression of the chemistry department while visiting as a prospective student. Once she arrived and got involved in the department, she knew she made the right choice.“In addition to a great curriculum that is helping me grow into a knowledgeable and skilled chemist, the chemistry department fosters a strong sense of community,” she said.

Finizio credits that sense of community and her numerous positive interactions with professors with helping her to win the award. “The professors truly care about their students,” she said. “Their academic and personal support has made my experience at Wooster truly special.” She feels especially grateful to her mentors at Wooster, including Paul Bonvallet, professor of chemistry, and David Kirby, John Garber Drushal Distinguished Visiting Professor of Chemistry. As part of her off-campus studies, she is thankful to have participated in a summer research internship with Tehshik Yoon, professor of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Another reason Finizio chose Wooster is its Independent Study program. “I’m really interested in conducting original research in chemistry, and I knew I was guaranteed such an experience at Wooster,” she said.

She currently works as a lab assistant in Wooster’s chemistry department where she answers student questions on chemistry concepts and assists them with experimental techniques. “I have found helping my peers to be extremely rewarding, and I hope to incorporate mentorship into my career,” she said. Finizio is also active in Chemistry Club, the Wooster Activities Crew and The Wooster Voice.

After graduation, Finizio is planning to pursue a doctoral degree in chemistry and become a professor. She anticipates conducting research in synthetic organic chemistry, which would have applications in medicinal chemistry. As a Goldwater scholar, she will have the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program with previous winners and attend a conference to present her research. “I feel so grateful. None of this would have been possible without the support of my Wooster professors,” she said.

Posted in Homepage Featured, News on April 27, 2026.