Ogden Honors, biological engineering junior named 2025 Goldwater Scholar

Gerard Lorio, a Baton Rouge native and junior in the Ogden Honors College majoring in biological engineering, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship—one of the nation’s most competitive and esteemed awards for undergraduates pursuing research careers in science, mathematics, and engineering.

The Goldwater Scholarship is awarded annually to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional potential for careers in scientific research. Lorio was one of two students in Louisiana who were honored among this year’s 441 awardees. Honors College Dean, Jonathan Earl,  “It’s really gratifying to see Gerard’s hard work in Dr. Monroe’s lab pay off in this way – with one of the most prestigious federal awards. We take matching outstanding students with LSU’s best research scholars very seriously.”

Lorio’s research focuses on the development of a 3D printed microfluidic model of cancer tissues that incorporates live cancer cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) to better mimic tumor behavior and help predict breast cancer treatment efficacy. Since enrolling at LSU, Lorio has worked under the mentorship of Todd Monroe, the Donald and Norma Nash McClure Alumni Professor of Biological & Agricultural Engineering (BAE) and Dr. Jorge Belgodere, Tulane School of Medicine Faculty and Adjunct in BAE. Lorio has been supported by the LSU Chancellor’s Future Leaders in Research program and will continue researching this summer under the support of the Amgen Scholars Program at Duke University. Speaking on what the Goldwater Award means for Lorio, Monroe stated, “With this award, I can continue to push Gerard to the limits of his potential, because his true capabilities have yet to be discovered.”

Honors College Associate Dean, Drew Arms, shared that Lorio arrived at LSU determined to be a researcher, “Even before Gerard became a student at LSU and the OHC, he was inquiring about research on campus and ways to get involved.  With the help of Dr. Todd Monroe and other mentors, he truly has embraced the opportunities LSU provides with singular determination, hard work, and a spirit of using his talents to better his community. We are so proud of this undergraduate researcher and excited for his next contributions!” Reflecting on this honor, Lorio shared, “This is truly the greatest honor I could imagine receiving for the hard work I’ve put into school, research, and everything in between. I’m incredibly grateful to the people who helped me become competitive for this award, and I feel both encouraged and excited to pursue future research and embrace the opportunities that may come from receiving this fellowship.”

The Goldwater Scholarship, established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 in honor of Senator Barry Goldwater, provides financial support to students who show exceptional promise in STEM fields. The program aims to foster and support the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Like us on Facebook (@LSUHonorsCollege) or follow us on Instagram (@LSU_honors) and LinkedIn (/roger-hadfield-ogden-honors-college).

###

Contact: Jordyn Martin
Communications Manager
225-578-0083
jwarr28@lsu.edu