NYU undergraduates recently won two of the nation's most prestigious scholarships.

Rachel Anne Ness was awarded a 2012 Goldwater Scholarship, which provides up to $7,500 per remaining undergraduate year to outstanding students in the sciences, engineering, and math who plan to have research careers in those fields. The CAS junior and chemistry major intends to pursue a Pharm.D. and a Ph.D. in Pharmacogenetics.

CAS sophomore Jenny Yan, a biology major, received an Honorable Mention from Goldwater as well. Yan intends to pursue an MD/Ph.D. in molecular genetics.

Gallatin junior Liliana Graciela Astiz has been named a 2012 Udall Scholar. In awarding her the recognition, the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation recognizes and celebrates her leadership and commitment to a career related to the environment. Astiz will receive up to $5,000 towards college expenses for senior year and will attend a Udall Scholars Orientation this summer in Tucson. Her career goal is to work in water resource protection and management for at-risk communities.