UToledo Biochemistry Student Earns Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

UToledo Biochemistry Student Earns Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

University of Toledo biochemistry student Victoria Ho has been named a Barry Goldwater Scholar, earning one of the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate awards available to students studying the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering in the United States.

Ho, who is on track to graduate early in December, was selected from a pool of more than 5,000 college sophomores and juniors nationwide.

Ho's selection reflects both her exceptional academic record and her compelling research career aspiration: to pursue an M.D./Ph.D., lead a laboratory investigating pain pharmacology, and develop safer analgesics specifically for geriatric patients as a faculty member at a medical school.

"Victoria's selection as a Goldwater Scholar is a testament to her exceptional intellect, her compassion and the extraordinary dedication she brings to her research," said UToledo Provost Mitchell S. McKinney. "It also reflects the strength of the mentorship and support that defines The University of Toledo experience. When students like Victoria arrive here with big dreams, our faculty and advisors meet them with an equally big belief in what is possible. We are enormously proud of her and excited to watch her go on to make a real difference in the lives of patients."

Ho's Goldwater Scholarship is one of just seven supported by UWorld, which will also provide her with full access to best-in-class resources that support preparation for medical school entrance and professional licensure exams.

A Long Way from Silicon Valley and Right Where She Belongs

Ho grew up in California in Silicon Valley and attended Milpitas High School before earning her certificate of proficiency at the age of 15, when she began her college search. She visited schools in her backyard but found the environment she was looking for at UToledo.

"In California, I was hearing about the limitations of what I might do," Ho said. "At UToledo, it was, 'This is where we can take you with what you bring to the table.' I just really appreciated the positive energy that everybody had. That's really the reason why I was able to become involved in research and apply for grants and scholarships. Plus, my parents were supportive of my moving across the country because they felt as though The University of Toledo was a very safe space, especially the Honors Academic Village."

Ho also credits the UToledo Pre-Health Advising Center, the Honors College and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for cultivating an environment where her ambitions were met with encouragement rather than limits.

Research with Human Stakes

Ho became involved in undergraduate research early through a departmental course that introduces students to active research labs. She connected with a graduate student from the lab of faculty mentor Dr. Michael C. Young, an associate professor in the UToledo Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, where she began synthesizing potential opioid antagonists and agonists - work that would ultimately anchor her Goldwater application.

Young said it was clear Ho was going to do great things from the moment she joined his lab.

"She doesn't just run experiments, she asks why they matter, and she is always cognizant of the patients on the other end of the science," he said. "She is particularly open to pursuing new opportunities, including writing a manuscript as the lead author, an unusual but wonderful experience for an undergraduate student."

What She was Meant to do

Ho's interest in geriatric patients grew from personal experience caring for her two grandfathers and witnessing the complexities of end-of-life care. She recognized that elderly patients are among the populations most in need of safer pain management options.

A defining moment for Ho came when she presented her research at UToledo's 2024 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Exhibition. A woman approached her in tears. She had lost her son to an opioid overdose following surgery. She thanked Ho for the work she was doing.

"I thought, 'Oh, I'm just a little undergrad doing really cool science experiments,' " Ho said. "But seeing that this person felt more at ease and had hope for science and for the future because of what I was doing - I realized this is what I was meant to do."

Young added, "Victoria's ability to connect the molecular details of what we do to the very human need for safer pain management has proven to be a strong motivator that keeps her coming back to the lab despite a very packed pre-med schedule.

"She has earned every bit of this recognition, and I have no doubt she will thrive as a physician-scientist."

A Win for Everyone Who Believed in Her

Young was one of three UToledo faculty mentors on Ho's Goldwater application, along with Dr. Anna George, a lecturer in chemistry, and Dr. Ashley E. Pryor, an associate professor of humanities in the Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Education.

Ho said many others have championed her along the way.

"This scholarship feels like a win for all of us. Behind my name on this award are the recommendation letters, the people who proofread my application, everyone who told me, 'Victoria, I think you would make an excellent researcher.' I wouldn't have applied for it - I wouldn't have gone in this direction at all - if not for people encouraging me."

She also found her liberal arts classes and the interdisciplinary connections she forged with students in engineering, political science and other disciplines through the UToledo Honors College to be invaluable. Both sharpened her communication skills and broadened her viewpoint - skills she sees as inseparable from effective science.

"I think now more than ever, people are having distrust in the healthcare system and in researchers and science," she said. "We need to show that we're willing to put aside all of the jargon and talk to people on their level, wherever that might be."

What Comes Next

With graduation approaching in December, Ho plans to start applying to medical school programs this summer while she participates in another prestigious program.

Ho was chosen for the summer Amgen Scholars Program at UCLA, a nationally competitive 10-week research fellowship. She was accepted into her first-choice lab, where she will conduct biochemistry research on histones and chromatin. Travel and housing are provided through the program.

It's one more experience that puts her closer to achieving her goals.

"The dream is to be on medical school faculty, working as a principal investigator, doing research on the biochemistry of aging," Ho said. "That's how I would sum it up."

At the age of 18, Ho is well on her way.

About the Barry Goldwater Scholarship

Established by Congress in 1986 as a living memorial to honor Senator Barry Goldwater's 56 years of service as a soldier and statesman, The Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awarded 454 scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The scholarship program, which turned 40 this year, is designed to identify, encourage and financially support outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering and mathematics. The Goldwater Scholarship is the preeminent undergraduate award of its type in these fields.