Arlington Heights resident receives prestigious Goldwater scholarship for research designed to help pregnant women

Grace Conway, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, was awarded the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship for her research on early-detection of pregnancy complications. Conway is a University of Richmond junior double majoring in chemistry and mathematics.

Her research with chemistry professor Michael Leopold focuses on developing a uric acid biosensor that could allow for the early detection of pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia risk.

“One of my project goals is to make the sensor small enough to fit in a catheter to provide real-time measurement,” Conway explained.

She will pursue an M.D./Ph.D in biomedical sciences and hopes to work at an academic hospital doing research focused on interacting with patients.

“Receiving this scholarship shows that members of the scientific community find my work valuable,” Conway said.

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Congress established the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation in 1986 to foster and encourage excellence in science and mathematics. Honoring the late Arizona senator, the scholarships encourage American undergraduate students with excellent academic records and outstanding potential to pursue careers in mathematics, natural sciences and engineering.