Southside VA News

Prolific chemistry researcher Antonio Harvey is Longwood’s Goldwater Scholarship nominee

As a high school junior, Antonio Harvey ‘26 caught the research bug, and he hasn’t been able to shake it.

Now in his second year at Longwood studying chemistry, Harvey has spent more hours in the lab and completed more research projects than most graduating seniors. That commitment and his goal of a career as a research chemist has led him to earn Longwood University’s nomination for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the premier scholarship for science, technology, engineering, and math undergraduates in the country.

Every new experiment opens up three more avenues to explore. I’ve learned a lot from my Longwood professors, and I’m excited to keep working with them on research for the next two years.Antonio Harvey ‘26TWEET THIS

Harvey was first introduced to chemistry research as a high schooler when he was among the first area students selected for the Longwood Summer Scholars: Exploring Science program. The program pairs talented high school students with Longwood faculty and students engaged in an intense summer research project. High schoolers are introduced to high-level research methods and practices and are able to contribute to the work.“I really liked being in the lab,” he said. “Every new experiment opens up three more avenues to explore. I’ve learned a lot from my Longwood professors, and I’m excited to keep working with them on research for the next two years.”In 2022, the Goldwater Foundation awarded scholarships to 417 students out of more than 5,000 applicants. That percentage makes it among the most competitive scholarships available to college students.

I believe that he will be able to attend graduate school wherever he wants to–with his grades and extensive research experience and his work ethic, he will be able to write his own story.Dr. Sarah Porter, associate professors of chemistryTWEET THIS

Harvey has completed research projects with Drs. Sarah Porter and Andrew Yeagley, both associate professors of chemistry. They both enthusiastically recommended Harvey for the scholarship.“Antonio is bright, friendly, eager to learn, academically gifted, has a high aptitude for research, and is genuinely excited about chemistry and research,” said Porter in her recommendation letter. “I believe that he will be able to attend graduate school wherever he wants to–with his grades and extensive research experience and his work ethic, he will be able to write his own story.”

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