Wichita State University student Lauren Hughes has been nominated for the 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for undergraduates pursuing research careers in science, engineering, mathematics and computer science.  

Hughes is majoring in biological sciences with minors in chemistry and American Sign Language.  

Hughes has spent more than two years conducting cancer-related research in Dr. Moriah Beck’s biochemistry lab, where she studies palladin, an actin-binding protein associated with cancer metastasis. Her project focuses on engineering mutations designed to interrupt the formation of invadopodia, which are structures that help cancer cells invade healthy tissue. One of her mutations successfully inhibited palladin’s ability to bind to actin, marking a promising step toward understanding how to slow cancer progression.  

Through her work, Hughes has gained experience in recombinant protein expression and purification, physical stability testing and structural analysis. She credits early setbacks for strengthening her resilience.  

“I enhanced my perseverance, patience and attention to detail by overcoming early experimental failures and equipment malfunctions,” she said.  

Beck, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said Hughes’ growth has been remarkable.  

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Lauren since her very first year at WSU through the FYRE in STEM program, and in that time, I’ve watched her grow into an exceptionally capable young scientist,” Beck said. “She consistently pushes herself to master new techniques, works independently and now even mentors other undergraduates in the lab. Lauren is remarkably organized, insightful and driven.”  

Hughes said her minor in ASL reflects her desire to bridge communication gaps in STEM fields.  

“The STEM field is heavily saturated with jargon, which is an isolating barrier for many individuals. This is particularly prevalent within the Deaf community,” she said. “By pairing my work in research and human health with ASL, I can make scientific information more accessible and inclusive for everyone.”    

Outside the lab, Hughes stays involved across campus. She serves on the Honors Faculty Advisory Council; is president and founder of the Wichita Honors Events and Activities Team; is a FYRE mentor and alumna; and works as the resident assistant for the Honors Living Learning Community. She also volunteers with the Community Service Board, Larksfield Community Center and the Lord’s Diner.   

“I stay busy!” she said.   

Hughes — who hails from Owasso, Oklahoma — said Wichita State’s emphasis on undergraduate research piqued her interest in the university, and it was the campus community that convinced her this was the right place.  

“I chose to tour Wichita State University because of its emphasis on research, closeness to home and affordability,” she said. “However, I fell in love with WSU because of its warmth. Even from my first tour, I never felt like a number here. Students and faculty genuinely care for each other.”  

That feeling solidified during a stormy campus tour that left her family separated from their group: “Two students used their umbrellas to keep my family dry, soaking themselves in the process. These students didn’t have to be so generous, but that is just how people are at Wichita State University.”  

Hughes is also the recipient of the Lenora N. McGregor Scholarship, a $26,000 award offered to incoming freshman student in the Cohen Honors College who demonstrate academic excellence, have an academic vision for the future and who expresses an interest in advancing knowledge through individual learning.   

After graduating in May 2027, Hughes plans to pursue a Ph.D. in virology and viral oncogenesis. She wants to study how viral integration triggers chronic inflammation, disrupts tumor suppression and accelerates cancer progression.   

“Ultimately, I seek to define the specific windows of opportunity in which these changes can be intercepted and where viruses can be re-engineered to target cancer cells,” she said. “As I intend to dedicate my life to human-focused research, the hands-on experience I am gaining now is invaluable.”   

Hughes said applying for the Goldwater Scholarship was challenging but rewarding.  

“The application was a rigorous process that solidified my commitment to research,” she said. “Regardless of the outcome of this nomination, I am thankful to have the support of the university and my faculty mentors.”   

Hughes said she hopes more students will take a chance on research, even if they feel unprepared.   

“My advice is simple: Just try it,” she said. “No one is born holding a pipette or analyzing data. You will not be perfect, but no one expects you to be. Put yourself out there and be willing to make mistakes. Even if you ultimately decide that research isn’t your dream, the skills you gain from the experience are invaluable.”  

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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