Two Rutgers University–Camden Students Named 2026 Goldwater Scholars
Camden, NJ – April 30, 2026: Two Rutgers University–Camden students, Amisha Rastogi and Jacob Oblander, have been named 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholars, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for students pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
Rastogi and Oblander are among just 454 students nationwide selected for the award, which recognizes exceptional academic achievement and demonstrated potential for a career in scientific research. Their selection also marks another milestone for Rutgers–Camden, continuing its growing presence in nationally competitive undergraduate research honors.
“Amisha and Jacob exemplify the intellectual curiosity, dedication, and research excellence that define Rutgers–Camden students,” said Laura Collins, founding director of the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising at Rutgers–Camden. “We could not be more proud of both of them and look forward to seeing how this opportunity will help each of them advance their aspirations.”
Named after the late Senator Barry Goldwater and widely regarded as the premier undergraduate award for students in STEM fields, the scholarship awards recipients up to $7,500 to help cover costs associated with room and board, tuition, fees, and books.
Rastogi is a biology major and chemistry minor in the Rutgers–Camden Honors College. She is also a participant in the accelerated 3+4 B.S./D.O. program with Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. Her research spans multiple disciplines, including neuroscience and ethics. In the Stress Neuroscience Lab under assistant professor Brian Corbett, Rastogi studies how sex- and age-related differences influence stress hormone signaling and related physiological outcomes. She also contributes to the Rutgers–Camden AI Ethics Lab, where she examines the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, particularly in relation to human rights and vulnerable populations.
Oblander, also a biology major at Rutgers–Camden, is focused on cutting-edge biomedical research with applications in vaccine development and DNA-based therapeutics. While he originally planned to pursue medicine, Oblander discovered a passion for research after early exposure to vaccine design and molecular therapeutics. He now conducts research in the Weiner Lab at The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, where he studies DNA-encoded therapeutics and vaccine technologies. At Rutgers–Camden, he has also completed independent research supported by an undergraduate research grant and participates in the U-RISE program, which provides structured research training and professional development for aspiring scientists.
About Rutgers University–Camden
Rutgers University–Camden is a hub of academic excellence and innovation, consistently ranked among the nation’s top public colleges and universities. Proudly recognized as one of the safest campuses in the region, the university is located in the “eds and meds” district of Camden, NJ—a city known for its cultural and historic attractions, vibrant arts community, renowned healthcare institutions, and headquarters of internationally recognized corporations. The campus offers a welcoming and engaging learning environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Just minutes from Center City Philadelphia—home to a thriving business district and a dynamic cultural scene—the campus also benefits from an array of transportation options for easy access in and around the city.
Home to approximately 6,000 students and more than 1,500 faculty and staff, Rutgers–Camden fosters a close-knit academic community where students enjoy the resources of a world-class research institution. Motivated scholars collaborate with world-renowned faculty, creating an environment defined by discovery and support.
As one of four chancellor-led units in the Rutgers University system, Rutgers–Camden is celebrated as a national model for civically engaged urban universities, earning the prestigious Community Engagement status from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. With its classification as an R2 research university, the campus contributes groundbreaking scholarship and creative output on a global scale.
Ranked among Washington Monthly’s "25 Best-in-Class Colleges", Rutgers University–Camden offers an exceptional environment for intellectual growth, community engagement, and personal achievement, empowering students to reach their highest potential.
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