Maria Mutz and Anna Roche Receive ARCS Scholars Awards

Congratulations to Maria Mutz and Anna Roche, the recipients of this year’s ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Scholar Awards! This prestigious honor recognizes their exceptional academic achievements and contributions to the fields of science and technology.

The ARCS Foundation plays a vital role in advancing scientific research and innovation in the United States. By providing substantial financial awards, it supports outstanding students with U.S. citizenship pursuing degrees in vital disciplines such as science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and medical research. The competition for these awards is intense, and being selected is a testament to the students' hard work and dedication. This year, only around 20 graduate students from the University of Arizona were fortunate enough to receive this honor.

Maria Mutz is a fifth-year Ph.D. student specializing in computational astrophysics under the guidance of Professor Carl Fields. Her research focuses on the complex astrophysics of massive stars, an area that holds profound implications for our understanding of stellar evolution and the life cycles of galaxies.

Anna Roche is also a fifth-year Ph.D. student, working on condensed matter experiments alongside Professor Brian LeRoy. Her research focuses on the nanoscale optical properties of two-dimensional materials, a field with vast potential applications in electronics and materials science.