Elisha Tong is furthering her student research at California Lutheran University amid the growing health crisis of antibiotic resistance, thanks to a scholarship from The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. The nonprofit awards scholarships to college students pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. A total of 441 sophomores and juniors nationwide were selected from over 5,000 who applied for the 2025-2026 academic year.

“This scholarship reflects my hard work and the support I have received from Cal Lutheran professors, mentors, friends and family,” said Tong, a Cal Lutheran junior. “Being selected as a Goldwater Scholar has reaffirmed my aspiration to contribute to our growing understanding of the world through science.”

Tong will receive a $7,500 scholarship and have access to the illustrious community of current and past Goldwater Scholars.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem as pathogenic bacteria mutate to evade current antibiotics, such as methicillin and vancomycin, which are overused or misused, Tong said.

“Looking at antibiotic resistance on an RNA-level could lead to new advancements in the fight against antibiotic resistance,” said Tong, who plans to earn her doctorate in biochemistry. “I would like to investigate functional RNAs in bacteria to see if any properties could help us understand and treat antibiotic-resistant infections.”

Tong began her research as a first-year student, working with Michael Abdelsayed, Ph.D., on RNA thermometers, an experience that led to her co-authoring a professional journal article. She completed a two-month internship at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health, where she studied drug transporters under the guidance of Jiansen Jiang, Ph.D. She is working with Cal Lutheran faculty mentor Dana Harmon, Ph.D., to investigate efflux pumps, a mechanism bacteria use to resist antibiotics.

Tong is the fourth Cal Lutheran student to receive the scholarship since it began in 1989. To date, 11,162 scholarships have been awarded by the foundation, which Congress established in 1986 as a tribute to U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater.

About California Lutheran University: Founded in 1959 and federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, California Lutheran University is home to over 2,200 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students. Our students come from 58 countries and represent many faiths and spiritualities. Our dedicated, accomplished faculty teach in small classes, guiding our students as they grow into open-minded leaders who are strong in character and judgment, confident in identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Everyone at Cal Lutheran is committed to helping students pursue their passions, discover their purpose and transform their communities. Learn more at CalLutheran.edu.