Chemical engineering student named Goldwater Scholar
UB's most recent recipients of the Goldwater Scholarship (from left): Carsyn Bonesteel, Christopher Page and Matthew Bablin. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
Adapted from UB Now
Published April 20, 2026
Matthew Bablin, junior chemical engineering major, is a recipient of the highly competitive Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a national award recognizing outstanding undergraduates pursuing research careers in science, mathematics and engineering.
The scholarship, established by Congress in 1986 to honor the legacy of Sen. Barry Goldwater, supports sophomores and juniors who demonstrate outstanding potential and plan to pursue a PhD in a STEM field and a career in research.
In 2026, 454 scholars were selected from 1,485 students nominated by 482 academic institutions.
Bablin praises UB for the opportunity to fully realize his research ambitions as an undergraduate.
“Winning the Goldwater Scholarship was very exciting to me,” he says. “I am grateful to be recognized and awarded for my research efforts.”
Bablin works in the Sustainable Systems Engineering lab at UB, focusing on plastic recycling technology.
“During my career, I hope to connect my background in chemical engineering to emerging technologies in the broader field of sustainable engineering,” he says. “My research projects have been inspiring to me, as I have a deep connection to the outdoors. I feel that doing research in sustainability is my way to pay back the environment for all the joy it has given me.”
Bablin recognized his mentor, Aurora del Carmen Munguía-López, assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, for her support throughout his time in the research lab. “Her mentorship has fostered my scientific mind and inspired my academic goals.”
“Matthew has distinguished himself through his intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and attention to detail in his research,” said Munguía-López. "I am grateful to work with him and look forward to his continued success.”
Bablin sums up his time at UB in four words: “work hard, play hard.”
He serves as a trip leader with UB’s Outdoor Adventure Club, frequently taking part in the club’s backpacking and camping trips.
“Working hard in my classes and research projects all week and spending the weekends outdoors has been a great way to experience UB,” he says.
Two student’s from UB’s College of Arts and Sciences, Carsyn Bonesteel and Chris Page, were also recipients of this year’s Barry Goldwater Scholarship.
