Research brings Goldwater scholar full circle

Agriculture has been a part of Vivian Nguyen's life for as long as she can remember. It was a backdrop to daily life as she grew up in Dodge City, from the scenery of open crop fields to cattle feedlots on the edge of town.

"I didn't pay that much attention to agriculture then," Nguyen said, "but looking back, it was always around me."

Now a sophomore studying mechanical engineering and physics at Kansas State University, Nguyen is conducting research to address agricultural issues that affect people in her hometown, throughout Kansas and across the world.

In her latest research, she works alongside Suprem Das, associate professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering, to explore ways to detect phosphorus — which can affect soil, crop growth and water quality — by using electrochemical sensors.

Nguyen's academic and research excellence have been recognized on a national level, and as K-State's 84th Goldwater scholar, her drive to tackle real-world challenges through hands-on research is at an all-time high.

Goldwater scholar's undergraduate research experience spans STEM fields

Through participation in K-State's Developing Scholars Program in the Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research unit, Nguyen has conducted five distinct mentored research projects to date.

Before connecting with Associate Professor Das, she worked with mathematics graduate student Hong Nhung Nguyen to analyze numerical methods for accuracy and error, and she studied mathematical methods for reconstructing point-source locations using imaging functions with Professor Liem Nguyen. She also explored phase separation in biomolecules with Professor Jeremy Schmit, physics, and conducted research about renewable energy microgrid systems with Professor Hongyu Wu, electrical and computer engineering.

"I have a variety of research experiences because I wanted to see all the different research areas in engineering, physics and mathematics," Nguyen said. "I added a mechanical engineering degree in my second semester when I realized I love the application of science."

That passion for application-based research is what led her to Das and his work in electrochemical sensing.

Electrochemical sensing research project connects to Nguyen's rural roots

Nguyen began her research with Das by exploring nanomaterials for electrochemical sensing, which taught her about how engineering design and materials processing are used to develop devices for real-world chemical detection.

She eventually focused on MXene-based electrochemical sensors for phosphate detection. MXene is a highly conductive nanomaterial, and sensors made with it detect phosphate by measuring changes in electrical signals.

"Phosphate is used in fertilizers, but when there is an excess amount, it can wash into water, causing harmful algal blooms that kill fish and make water unsafe," Nguyen said. "In addition, too much phosphate in soil can negatively impact crop growth. Detecting it early helps prevent environmental damage, especially in agricultural states like Kansas."

The project involves hands-on lab work like coating electrodes with MXene, placing them in solutions and running experiments to measure electrical responses. Nguyen uses a potentiostat and a three-electrode setup for the research. If someone happened across her in the lab, they'd see her pipetting solutions, polishing electrodes, connecting wires and analyzing graphs.

Nguyen said the research will help prevent water pollution and support safer farming practices, and it could even lead to farmers using real-time sensors to protect drinking water, ecosystems and plant growth.

"The research I'm doing connects directly back to where I'm from, she said. "Growing up in Dodge City, agriculture was just part of everyday life, but I never thought about its impact on water. Now, being able to work on research that addresses those exact issues makes everything feel connected.

"It reminds me that what I'm learning isn't just for school, it's something I can use to give back to my community and make a real impact."

Nguyen earns Goldwater scholarship for academic and research excellence

Through her research efforts spanning physics, engineering and math, Nguyen has developed a research portfolio worthy of national recognition.

The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation named Nguyen a 2026 Goldwater scholar. She is one of only 452 undergraduates nationwide to receive the honor, out of nearly 1,500 total applicants.

Established by Congress in 1986 to honor Sen. Barry M. Goldwater of Arizona, the scholarship recognizes students who are exceptionally active in research and intend to pursue careers in mathematics, science or engineering. Awardees receive up to $7,500 annually for college-related expenses.

In addition to her impressive research portfolios, Nguyen is also an active member of campus organizations, including the University Honors Program, Engineering Ambassadors, Silver Key Sophomore Honorary and the Tri-Alpha Honor Society.

Her other honors include the Pattie Johnson Wilson Scholarship, the Mortar Board Outstanding Student Scholarship, the Semester Scholastic Award and the Above and Beyond Award.

"Receiving the Goldwater Scholarship is especially meaningful to me as a first-generation student," Nguyen said. "I first learned about this opportunity as a freshman through my work with Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research, so it feels really full circle to now be receiving it. This award supports my goal of pursuing a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering and continuing research that develops practical solutions to real-world problems."

In another full-circle moment, Nguyen will be working with Koch Fertilizer in Dodge City this summer as a reliability engineering intern.

"Vivian has seized opportunities at K-State, such as the Developing Scholars Program and summer NSF research, that have allowed her to explore research in math, physics and engineering," said Beth Powers, director of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research at K-State. "The range of research she has engaged with has built valuable knowledge and skills and given her the chance to explore work in various STEM settings as she decides where she would like her career to take her.

"We are excited to see where her curiosity and drive take her next."