Biochemistry Student Sean Krivitsky Named 2025 Goldwater Scholar

Stony Brook University sophomore Sean Krivitsky has been named a 2025 Goldwater Scholar, a prestigious national recognition awarded to outstanding undergraduates pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

Krivitsky, a biochemistry major in the Honors College, conducts research in the laboratory of Douglas Fearon at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL).

Each year, from an estimated pool of over 5,000 college sophomores and juniors, institutions across the nation nominate top students for the Goldwater Scholarship. For 2025, 1,350 students were nominated by 445 academic institutions, and 508 were selected as recipients. Stony Brook put forward four nominees from a competitive pool of 17 internal applicants. The scholarship provides up to $7,500 per academic year to support tuition, fees, books, and room and board expenses.

“I am always impressed by our Goldwater nominees, and this year was no exception,” said Ashley Staples, director for External Fellowships and Scholarships. “Sean has been engaged in university-level research for five years, yet he’s only a second-year student planning to graduate in three years. His dedication to research and excellence is truly remarkable.”

Krivitsky’s research journey began in high school, where he participated in the Partners for the Future program at CSHL. This early exposure to scientific research helped shape his decision to study biochemistry at Stony Brook.

“I knew this degree would provide the foundational knowledge I need to pursue my research and career goals,” said Krivitsky. “Biochemistry allows for substantial intersection with other fields like chemistry and physics while offering an in-depth education in areas such as protein chemistry and enzyme kinetics. Working in a research lab alongside my coursework enables me to apply my knowledge directly to impactful scientific discovery.”

At CSHL, Krivitsky works under the mentorship of Jung-in Yang, a postdoctoral associate in the Fearon lab, where the team is focused on harnessing the immune system to treat pancreatic cancer by modulating the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in T-cells.

“Sean Krivitsky is an outstanding and highly self-motivated undergraduate student,” said Yang. “His work has been integral in validating the humanized CXCR4 mouse model and developing a cell line that advances our understanding of CXCR4’s role in the tumor microenvironment. What truly sets Sean apart is his independence, meticulous attention to experimental detail, and his passion for science.”

Krivitsky plans to pursue a PhD in biochemistry with a focus on disease mechanisms, particularly in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. His long-term goal is to become a university professor and principal investigator (PI), leading his own research laboratory.

“As a PI, I want to approach the study of disease from a biochemistry and structural biology perspective, using a combined elucidation of protein structure and function to inform therapeutic strategies,” he said. “I am also deeply interested in integrating artificial intelligence and computational biology into my research to optimize and enhance discoveries.”

Beyond research, Krivitsky is passionate about mentorship, and hopes to support aspiring scientists by offering research opportunities to high school and undergraduate students, just as his mentors have done for him.

Goldwater Scholars have a strong track record of earning prestigious fellowships, including National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, Hertz Fellowships, and Rhodes Scholarships. The Goldwater Foundation, established in 1986, aims to support and encourage students like Krivitsky in their pursuit of impactful research careers.

Students interested in applying for the Goldwater scholarship can learn more about the award at External Fellowships and Scholarships.