UNC third-year student Chiara Pancaldo Salemi has been named a 2016 Goldwater Scholar and Mike Lebhar, also a third-year student, was named an honorable mention.

“My congratulations go to Chiara and Mike on their prestigious recognition from the Goldwater Foundation,” said chancellor Carol Folt. “They are perfect examples of next generation leaders and problem solvers who make an impact on a global scale.”

The Goldwater Scholarship was named after former U.S. presidential candidate Barry Goldwater and provides up to $7,500 per year for eligible educational expenses to students who excel in academics and who plan to pursue research careers in science, mathematics, engineering and computer disciplines.

For 2016, the foundation selected 252 scholarship recipients. Salemi and Lebhar were chosen from a field of 1,150 students who were nominated by colleges and universities nationwide.

“Both students have exceptional academic qualifications and substantial practical research experience,” said Jason Reed, associate professor of biology and chair of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Goldwater selection committee.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Volleyball Begins 2026 Season With Consecutive Sweep Victories
The UNC volleyball team is off to a 2-0 start to the 2026 season after straight set victories at Davidson Saturday and at home against UNC-Wilmington Sunday. Opening the season with a true road match for the first time since 2022, the Tar Heels trailed for much of the first set against the Wildcats. Davidson […]
Art's Angle: Looking Good!
Through one game at least, Art Chansky says it looks as if Bill Belichick and UNC are a more competent bunch than last year.
UNC Field Hockey Loses to No. 11 Iowa; Now 0-2 to Start 2026 Season
UNC allowed the tying and go-ahead goals in a span of 3:03 in the third quarter vs. No. 11 Iowa Sunday, and the Hawkeyes held that onto that lead to deal the Tar Heels a 3-2 loss. It’s Carolina’s second consecutive loss to open the 2026 season. The Tar Heels led 2-1 at halftime on […]
UNC Football Grinds Out Season-Opening Win vs. TCU in Ireland
The UNC defense held TCU scoreless across the final 49 minutes of game time Saturday in Dublin, helping the Tar Heels secure a 15-10 win in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. HEELS WIN!!!@WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/XotRJAmcXn — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) August 29, 2026 As they did last fall against TCU, the Tar Heels started the season […]
UNC Men's Soccer Defeats VCU for First Win of 2026 Season
An early goal from Nick Lockermann was all UNC needed to secure a 1-0 victory against VCU at Dorrance Field Friday night. It was Carolina’s first win and clean sheet of the season. Carolina Victory 🙌 The Heels kept a clean sheet and Nick Lockermann’s first-half blast gives UNC its first win of the young […]
UNC Field Hockey Falls in Overtime vs. No. 14 Michigan in 2026 Season Opener
A Michigan goal less than five minutes into sudden-death overtime helped the No. 14 Wolverines upset No. 2 UNC 2-1 in the 2026 season opener in Winston-Salem Friday. This is the first time Carolina has dropped its opening game of the season since 2022. After the game – which was delayed by two hours due […]
UNC Women's Soccer Beats Irish Professional Side in Dublin Exhibition
The UNC women’s soccer team got the Tar Heels’ visit to Dublin, Ireland off on the right foot. Carolina defeated Irish professional side Shelbourne F.C. 3-0 in an exhibition match at Tolka Park Friday. The match was played in conjunction with the football team’s game against TCU in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic […]
'Not Going for a Vacation': UNC Football Not Caught Up in Pageantry of Ireland Showcase
UNC is ready to rewrite the narrative around the football program when it faces TCU in Dublin, Ireland tomorrow.
UNC Football vs. TCU (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff Time
UNC will open the 2026 football season when it faces TCU in Dublin, Ireland Saturday as part of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. The Tar Heels are looking to avenge a 48-14 loss at the hands of the Horned Frogs in Kenan Stadium last season. If you aren’t abroad with the team, here’s how […]
Former Players Kyle Datres, Brandon Martorano Promoted to Full-Time Roles on UNC Baseball Staff
Two former Diamond Heel standouts are taking on larger roles on the UNC baseball coaching staff. Kyle Datres and Brandon Martorano, who starred for Carolina in the later 2010s and who served as undergraduate assistants during the 2026 season, have been promoted to full-time roles on the UNC staff moving forward. Both will serve in […]
›