“The Barry Goldwater Scholarship is a brilliant reflection of Jessica’s aspiration and her immense potential to shape the next generation of computer science research,” said Dr. Lique Coolen, Vice President of Research and Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs.  “We couldn't be prouder of her achievement, which highlights her personal dedication and professional curiosity as well as the exceptional guidance provided by Dr. Krishna Roy and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at New Mexico Tech.”

Jessica Hunter is interested in pursuing a PhD in computer science and a career in research and development, with a focus on advancing the algorithms used in neural networks and their applications.  Since her first year at New Mexico Tech, she has worked with Roy on developing reinforcement learning algorithms to advance neuromorphic computing for robotic applications. Her current work focuses on FPGA-based deployment of neuromorphic reinforcement learning to enable real-time, energy-efficient edge intelligence. Most recently,  Hunter is the first author on a manuscript that explores energy-efficient spiking neural networks for reinforcement learning that will be published as part of the ICLR 2026 Workshop on World Models: Understanding, Modelling and Scaling.

“Jessica has demonstrated exceptional skills in designing simulation algorithms and testing frameworks,” said Roy. “She exhibited a strong grasp of the intricate mathematics underpinning reinforcement learning and implemented algorithms with precision and depth of understanding qualities rarely seen in undergraduate students.”

Along with the funding received by Roy from the New Mexico EPSCoR through the National Science Foundation E-RISE RII Program, Hunter’s research opportunities were made possible through New Mexico Tech’s Sophomore Research Program, funded, in part by the Air Force Research Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, and the Research Opportunities Cooperative Program, which is funded by New Mexico Tech alumni Tom Wellems and Marilyn Powell.  Since 2022, two other New Mexico Tech students have been named Goldwater Scholars: Chase Dunaway, from the Mechanical Engineering program, and Cassandra Skaar, from the Biology program.

The Goldwater Foundation is a federally endowed, independent agency established by Public Law 99-661 on November 14, 1986. The scholarship program honoring Senator Barry Goldwater was designed to identify, encourage, and financially support outstanding undergraduates interested in pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The Goldwater Scholarship is the preeminent undergraduate award of its type in these fields.