News

LaGrange, GA (Sept. 3, 2026) — ARCS® Foundation celebrated the inaugural class of ARCS Purdue Scholars today during the ARCS National Scholar Award Celebration at Purdue Memorial Union, marking the first Scholar celebration under the ARCS National Scholar Award Program and the launch of ARCS Foundation's inaugural National Academic Partnership with Purdue University.

Five doctoral students were recognized as the 2026–27 ARCS Purdue Scholars: Meera Doran, Maxwell Kawada, Shaiv Mehra, Peter Meshkov, and Christopher Peter. Each was nominated by Purdue University and selected for academic excellence and high research potential, and each will receive a three-year, unrestricted ARCS National Scholar Award to support doctoral work in fields critical to the nation's technology and innovation pipeline.

Meera Doran, Roche ARCS National Scholar Award — Doctoral student, Biomedical Engineering PhD  
Doran's research focuses on identifying the earliest signs of cardiovascular disease using cutting-edge imaging technology and artificial intelligence for predictive diagnostics.

Maxwell Kawada, ARCS National Scholar Award — Doctoral student, Biomedical Engineering PhD  
Kawada's research investigates the cognitive response to using artificial intelligence and autonomy in surgical robots in high-stakes environments, drawing on advanced computing, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and biotechnology.

Shaiv Mehra, Bindley ARCS National Scholar Award — Doctoral student, Biomedical Engineering PhD  
Mehra's research focuses on automating and autonomizing assistive robotic manipulation and mobility to improve independence for individuals with disabilities, incorporating autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.

Peter Meshkov, Burton ARCS National Scholar Award — Doctoral student, Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD  
Meshkov’s research engineers a quantum spin liquid for advanced computing applications by mechanically straining candidate materials with nanoscale structures, incorporating microelectronics, nanotechnology, and quantum technologies.

Christopher Peter, Burke ARCS National Scholar Award — Doctoral student, Biomedical Engineering PhD  
Peter's research identifies the neural mechanisms underlying multisensory integration during artificial stimulation to improve perceptual decision-making, incorporating artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

“It is a pleasure to launch a new national partnership with Purdue University today and to celebrate the inaugural class of ARCS Purdue Scholars,” said Jill Bray, ARCS Foundation National President. “This partnership marks an important expansion of ARCS Foundation’s reach, building on nearly seven decades of impact to meet the growing need for private support of scientific research in emerging technologies.”

Following remarks and the Scholars' medallion ceremony, keynote speaker John L. Anderson, President Emeritus of the National Academy of Engineering, delivered an address titled "STEM Talent: The Foundation of Innovation." Anderson addressed the role of a highly talented science, engineering, and medicine workforce as the foundation of American innovation, and on the role private philanthropy can play in strengthening that pipeline amid federal policy shifts affecting international student visas and graduate education funding. A moderated audience question-and-answer session followed his remarks.

The inaugural Purdue Scholar Awards were made possible by five generous award sponsors: Bill Bindley, Chairman of Guardian Pharmacy Services and a Purdue alumnus; Sara Jean and Fred Burke, also Purdue alumni; The Burton Family Foundation; Roche Diagnostics Corporation; and anonymous friends of ARCS Foundation. The ceremony also garnered strong support from Indiana's broader research and business community, including BioCrossroads, the state's life sciences initiative.

At Purdue, the ARCS National Scholar Award Program supports doctoral students in biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering, with plans to add additional degree areas next year.

"I am pleased to help launch ARCS at Purdue because this program recognizes what Purdue does so well: develop exceptional scientists and engineers prepared to meet the needs of the future," said Bill Bindley, Chairman of Guardian Pharmacy Services and sponsor of a Purdue Scholar Award. “These Scholars represent the promise of research that benefits Indiana, the nation, and the world.”

About ARCS® Foundation: ARCS Foundation is a national nonprofit that promotes US competitiveness by providing financial awards to academically outstanding US citizens studying to complete degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and health disciplines at 52 of the nation’s leading research universities. The organization has awarded more than $142 million to more than 13,000 scholars since 1958. ARCS Foundation Scholars have produced thousands of research publications and patents, secured billions in grant funding, started science-related companies, and played a significant role in teaching and mentoring young people in the STEM pipeline. More information is available at arcsfoundation.org.