Pictured above clockwise: Brad Tomasovic, Ashlynne Jeffries, John Goodman, Ethan Hull, Alannah Riedinger, and Tyler Baerlocher
Six promising Carroll College students were selected during the 2025–26 academic year to go through the nomination process for two of the nation’s most competitive undergraduate honors: the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and the Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
The nominations are part of Carroll’s new St. Catherine Scholars Program, which identifies and supports students with the potential to compete for prestigious national scholarships, fellowships, and graduate opportunities.
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate award in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. Established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry Goldwater, the scholarship supports students who have outstanding potential and intend to pursue careers in research. Goldwater Scholars are selected on the basis of academic merit, research experience, and commitment to a research career.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for students committed to public service leadership. Established by Congress in 1975 as the official federal memorial to President Truman, the award supports students who plan to pursue careers in government, nonprofit, advocacy, or other public service fields. Truman nominees are evaluated on their commitment to making a difference in public life, their leadership record, and their policy interests.
Before advancing to the national competition, candidates submit their applications to a Carroll review board. Carroll’s standard is that nominees must not only be competitive at the national level, but also exemplify the values and ethos of the college. Approximately 60 Truman Scholars and 450 Goldwater Scholars are ultimately selected nationwide.
While none of Carroll’s nominees was selected for the national awards this year, being chosen to represent Carroll in these highly competitive processes is itself an honor. Preparing an application also gives students valuable experience defining their academic and professional goals, developing research and policy interests, strengthening their writing, and learning what it takes to compete for opportunities at the national level.
Truman Scholarship Nominees
Brad Tomasovic
Brad Tomasovic, from Wildwood, Missouri, is a junior in the departments of Political Science and Public Health. Brad is interested in rural health politics and policy and proposed to study at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. At Carroll, Brad is currently conducting an independent qualitative research project studying how recent political events regarding healthcare have shaped rural providers' political identification and job satisfaction. He is the Talking Saints Vice President of Debate and the co-founder of Nile Debate Coaching. In his free time, Brad enjoys hunting and being outdoors.
Ashlynne Jeffries
Ashlynne Jeffries of Vancouver, Washington, graduated in May summa cum laude with degrees in International Relations and Political Science and a minor in Public Health. Ashlynne’s Truman proposal was inspired by her time at the University of Cambridge where she participated in the International Security and Intelligence Programme. She proposed to pursue an MPhil in Global Risk and Resilience at Cambridge. Ashlynne has presented research at several national conferences including at the University of Pennsylvania and American University. She is a Global Ties U.S. Emerging Leader and recipient of the Hunthausen Outstanding Service Award. Here at Carroll, Ashlynne was a member of the Talking Saints, a St. Catherine’s Scholar, and served as director of marketing and social justice education at the Hunthausen Center for Peace and Justice.
John Goodwin
John is an Environmental Science and English Writing double major as well as a triple minor in History, Music (Piano Specialization) and Sustainability at Carroll College. When he is not working as a legal intern, a teacher’s assistant, the organist at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, or leading Carroll College Recycling, he enjoys playing music in the community and spending time outdoors. Among the organ and the piano, he is also a percussionist in Carroll College’s Pep Band and Instrumental Ensemble group.
Goldwater Scholarship Nominees
Tyler Baerlocher
Tyler is entering his junior year in the departments of Civil Engineering and Mathematics. For his Goldwater application, he created a research project that rediscovered math formulas using machine learning. He plans to pursue an advanced degree in mathematics or physics following his graduation from Carroll.
Alannah Riedinger
Alannah Riedinger, from the Tri-Cities, Washington, is a rising junior in the department of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology. Alannah's Goldwater research proposal was inspired by the increased prevalence of harmful algal blooms around the world. Her proposal focused on the effect of a specific toxin produced by some harmful algal blooms on the metabolic function of Tetrahymena thermophila. This research will be implemented in an Advanced Research Experience at Carroll in the spring of 2027. Here at Carroll, Alannah is a St. Catherine's Scholar and the president of the QSA. After her time at Carroll, she plans to pursue a PhD in Microbiology.
Ethan Hull
Ethan Hull, from Helena, Montana, is a rising senior in the departments of Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology and Sociology. Ethan plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Sociology upon graduation from Carroll followed by a PhD in Chemistry or Biochemistry with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry. He is passionate about research and eager to continue to pursue it as a career.
John Goodwin
John is an Environmental Science and English Writing double major as well as a triple minor in History, Music (Piano Specialization) and Sustainability at Carroll College. When he is not working as a legal intern, a teacher’s assistant, the organist at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, or leading Carroll College Recycling, he enjoys playing music in the community and spending time outdoors. Among the organ and the piano, he is also a percussionist in Carroll College’s Pep Band and Instrumental Ensemble group.
Building a Path to National Opportunities
The St. Catherine Scholars Program was created to find, develop and support Carroll students of uncommon promise, whether they are already preparing for nationally competitive scholarships or are just beginning to explore where their abilities might take them. Students from all majors and backgrounds can participate, with particular emphasis on the qualities national selection committees value, including academic achievement, leadership, discipline and sustained commitment.
Scholars receive dedicated faculty mentorship, hands-on feedback on essays and application materials, structured preparation, a peer cohort and continued advising for graduate school, research and public service opportunities. The program is designed to support students over several years, from early exploration through intensive application preparation and mock interviews.
For Carroll’s first group of Goldwater and Truman nominees, taking on the challenge of these national competitions is an important step in that process and an opportunity to set their sights even higher.
