2026 Goldwater Recipient Ashley Agatep
June 9, 2026
Ashley Agatep
The Goldwater Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program that seeks to recognize and support college sophomores and juniors that are dedicated to research in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. This scholarship is awarded to students who are seen as the next generation of research leaders. Ashley Agatep, a junior Environmental Science and Policy major and Honors minor, was one of the 2026 Goldwater Scholarships recipients.
Since her first year at Chapman, Agatep has been working on the NASA Environmental Equity and Justice Grant. Partnered with Communities for a Better Environment, Agatep’s main research focus is on environmental justice and community-based research. “We really wanted to see how scientists paired with community members could really start addressing the environmental injustices in [Los Angeles],” said Agatep. Her research observes the health impacts of environmental injustices such as excess air pollution, highways cutting through cities, industry pollution, and lack of green spaces that increase urban heat. “This kind of research is something I’m really passionate about … This is such a good way to combine social advocacy and science in that same way and really start translating science to action for these communities,” said Agatep. Agatep’s research has been published in Nature Portfolio Journal Urban Sustainability.
Ashley at JPL
Agatep heard about the Goldwater Scholarship her sophomore year but had applied for the Udall Scholarship instead. Dr. Gregory Goldsmith, one of her primary mentors, had encouraged her to apply. Working on the Udall Scholarship was when she met Dr. John Hunter at the Center for Undergraduate Excellence. “[Dr. Hunter] really emphasized to me, ‘What is your identity as a scientist?’… I think it’s such an important question for people going through undergrad,” said Agatep. Through working on these applications, Agatep was able to figure out who she was as a researcher and how to define the work she was doing. “I think the main benefit I got out of [applying for scholarships] was figuring out what I felt was important to me in all the work I’ve done,” said Agatep.
Ashley presenting at conference
Agatep reflected on how CUE has impacted her research career through the resources provided by the department. The SURF program provided funding and concrete time for Agatep to concentrate on her research, as well as allowing her to cultivate professional relationships with her peers at Schmid College of Science and Technology. Agatep has also received travel grants from CUE so she could attend conferences and connect with people in her field. With the CUE travel grants, Agatep was able to attend and present at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) annual meeting in December 2025. CUE provided Agatep with the support to focus on her research, creating professional relationships, and exploring her field.
For additional information on the Goldwater Scholarship or other prestigious grants, fellowships, and scholarships, visit CUE’s website or email cue@chapman.edu.
