Two Yale Students Named Goldwater Scholars

Dana Feldman and Usmaan Siddiqi recognized for research in chemistry and biomedical engineering.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals in earthy tones of green, blue, and brown, conceptually representing the structural order and complex forces of the scientific world.The Goldwater Scholarship honors the next generation of pioneering STEM researchers, like Yale's Dana Feldman and Usmaan Siddiqi, whose innovative work pushes the boundaries of chemistry and biomedical engineering.NYC Today

Two Yale juniors, Dana Feldman and Usmaan Siddiqi, have been awarded prestigious Goldwater Scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. The scholarships, given to just 454 students nationwide, encourage undergraduates to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.

Why it matters

The Goldwater Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious awards for undergraduate STEM students in the United States. Receiving this honor highlights Yale's strength in cultivating top scientific talent and preparing students for advanced research careers.

The details

Feldman, a chemistry major, has conducted research on developing transition metal complexes for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction, while Siddiqi, a Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology major, has worked on predicting chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and developing novel cardiac devices. Both students have extensive research experience and involvement in STEM outreach and entrepreneurship.

  • The Goldwater Scholarships were awarded for the 2026-27 academic year.
  • Feldman and Siddiqi are both Yale juniors.

The players

Dana Feldman

A Yale junior majoring in chemistry who has conducted research on developing transition metal complexes for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction.

Usmaan Siddiqi

A Yale junior majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology who has worked on predicting chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity and developing novel cardiac devices.

Patrick Holland

The Conkey P. Whitehead Professor of Chemistry in Yale's Faculty and Arts and Sciences, who has worked with Feldman.

Simon Suhr

A Feodor Lynen Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale, who has also worked with Feldman.

Jennifer Kwan

An assistant professor of medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, whose lab Siddiqi conducts research in.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The Goldwater Scholarship recognition underscores Yale's commitment to fostering the next generation of scientific leaders and innovators, with Feldman and Siddiqi representing the university's excellence in STEM research and education.