BATESVILLE, Arkansas — Lyon College junior Catherine Mills of Clinton has been named a 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholar, one of the nation’s most competitive undergraduate awards in science, mathematics and engineering.
Mills, a double major in chemistry and biology with a minor in mathematics, was selected for academic achievement, research experience and her goal of becoming a physician-scientist. She maintains a 4.0 grade-point average and has conducted research since her first year at Lyon.
She works in the laboratory of Dr. Irosha N. Nawarathne, professor of chemistry and director of undergraduate research, on rifamycin-core-based antibacterial compounds to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. Her work has been presented at conferences and contributed to a manuscript published in Molecules.
“Catherine is among the most exceptional undergraduate students I have mentored, placing her within the top 1%,” Dr. Nawarathne said. “She has shown intellectual maturity and quantitative strength even at the early stages of her training, and she quickly developed the ability to think and work like an independent researcher.”
She said Mills has progressed toward independent research and an M.D./Ph.D. pathway.
“Catherine has developed a strong commitment to biomedical and pharmaceutical research and clearly intends to build her career at the intersection of research and medicine,” Dr. Nawarathne said. “What stands out most is her discipline and persistence in the laboratory, where she approaches complex problems with creativity, precision and follow-through.”
Mills also completed a summer research appointment at the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, contributing to clinical studies that produced a peer-reviewed publication and a manuscript under review, Dr. Nawarathne said.
Dr. Cassia Oliveira, associate dean of the faculty and professor of biology, said Mills reflects the mission of Lyon College.
“Catherine embodies the best of a Lyon College education,” Dr. Oliveira said. “Her academic excellence, research and dedication to serving others demonstrate how a liberal arts education prepares students for lives of purpose and impact.”
Dr. Oliveira said Mills’ selection reflects both her scientific ability and the college’s emphasis on inquiry and discovery.
Mills serves as an Honors Fellow, supplemental instruction leader and tutor in chemistry, biology and mathematics. She is vice president and president-elect of the Chemistry Club, a resident assistant and a member of academic honor societies. She is a former member of the Scots volleyball team.
Dr. Stephanie Saunders, director of the Honors Fellows Program and associate professor of Spanish, praised Mills’ leadership.
“We are so proud of Catherine,” Dr. Saunders said. “Her hard work and leadership reflect the values of our program.”
Established by Congress in 1986, the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation supports outstanding sophomores and juniors who plan to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, engineering and mathematics. The foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026 and will award 454 new scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. Combined with support for 59 returning scholars, the foundation will support a record 513 Goldwater Scholars this year. Since its inception, the Goldwater Foundation has awarded 11,616 scholarships to students across the United States.
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Lyon College
Lyon College, a private liberal arts institution founded in 1872 in Batesville, is the oldest college in Arkansas with its original charter. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a 2025 “Best College,” Lyon enrolls 781 students from more than 33 states and 14 countries. Students can tailor their education, selecting from 32 majors, as well as pre-professional, individualized options and select graduate programs. The college expanded its academic offerings with the opening of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine in Little Rock in 2025 and plans to open the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine in Cabot in 2027, pending accreditation. Learn more at lyon.edu.
