Stony Brook University sophomore Sean Krivitsky has been recognized as a 2025 Goldwater Scholar. This national accolade honors outstanding undergraduates aiming for research careers in natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
Krivitsky, a biochemistry major in the Honors College, is involved in research at Douglas Fearon's laboratory in Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). For 2025, among 1,350 nominees from 445 academic institutions, 508 students were selected for this scholarship. Stony Brook nominated four students, providing support of up to $7,500 annually for tuition, fees, books, and room and board.
Ashley Staples, director for External Fellowships and Scholarships, remarked, “I am always impressed by our Goldwater nominees, and this year was no exception. Sean has been engaged in university-level research for five years, yet he’s only a second-year student planning to graduate in three years. His dedication to research and excellence is truly remarkable.”
Krivitsky started his research journey in high school with the Partners for the Future program at CSHL. This experience influenced his choice to pursue biochemistry at Stony Brook. Speaking of his education, Krivitsky said, “I knew this degree would provide the foundational knowledge I need to pursue my research and career goals.”
Jung-in Yang, a postdoctoral associate with whom Krivitsky works, described him as “an outstanding and highly self-motivated undergraduate student.” Yang noted, “His work has been integral in validating the humanized CXCR4 mouse model and developing a cell line that advances our understanding of CXCR4’s role in the tumor microenvironment."
With plans to pursue a PhD focusing on disease mechanisms, Krivitsky aims to become a university professor and principal investigator, exploring disease through biochemistry and structural biology to inform therapeutic strategies. He is keen on integrating artificial intelligence and computational biology into his research.
Krivitsky is also passionate about mentorship and hopes to offer research opportunities to high school and undergraduate students, inspired by the support he received.
Goldwater Scholars often earn prestigious fellowships such as National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships and Rhodes Scholarships. Established in 1986, the Goldwater Foundation supports students like Krivitsky in their career pursuits.
Students interested in the Goldwater scholarship can learn more at External Fellowships and Scholarships.