NEW YORK (TIP): Indian American chemical engineering undergraduate researcher at Columbia University Amar Bhardwaj has been named Goldwater Scholar. Considered the preeminent award for undergraduates in engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences—just 496 Scholars were selected from a nationwide pool of over 5,000 applicants—the award is conferred by the federally-endowed Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation.

He researches catalysts for solar fuels and new techniques for seawater desalination. For this work, he has also twice been honored with the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship.

In 2018, Bhardwaj was among just five college sophomores selected alongside 45 juniors nationwide to receive the prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship recognizing leadership and public service on issues including the environment. The honor came with up to $7000 for his studies and a five-day orientation in Tucson with fellow scholars, Udall alumni, and an array of professionals.

Bhardwaj strives to raise awareness of environmental issues and help others adopt more sustainable lifestyles. He is lead writer for Consilience: The Journal of Sustainable Development, overseeing a team of student contributors and serves as the Engineering Student Council’s sustainability representative. He also co-leads Columbia’s EcoReps recycling committee, which works to implement better recycling infrastructure and messaging on campus.

Amar joined Yip’s research group in December 2016. He is broadly interested in engineering research to improve the sustainability of our energy and water systems. He is currently conducting a joint project between the Yip and Esposito (ChemE) groups, characterizing the transport properties of novel metal oxide thin films for application in fuel cells, electrolyzers, and reverse osmosis.

Outside of engineering, Amar plays French horn in the Columbia University Orchestra and furthers his sustainability goals as a Co-leader of Recycling in the Columbia EcoReps. He also enjoys dancing as a member of Sabor: Columbia University’s First Latino Dance Troupe.