Public health major Ravi Sangani ’26 was recently named a 2025 Goldwater Scholar — one of the most prestigious national honors for undergraduate students in mathematics, science, and engineering.
Out of 1,350 faculty-nominated students across 445 institutions, Sangani — who is minoring in biology and chemistry — was among just 441 selected for the scholarship, which provides up to $7,500 to support academic expenses.
This recognition comes as he continues to advance his own ophthalmology research at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. There, Sangani studies how glucose transport in the retina affects visual function at the cellular level and how disruptions in cellular transport may contribute to degenerative eye diseases like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. At the same time, he’s completing a TCNJ capstone research project at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, with plans to submit his first publication with first authorship soon.
Long term, he plans to pursue graduate studies in neurobiology and regenerative medicine, aiming to develop therapies that can help in underserved communities worldwide.
“If we can find ways to restore vision, especially in communities without resources, that’s where I want to be,” he says.
— Emily W. Dodd ’03