Goldwater Scholar finds renewed love of learning at UW-Eau Claire

Benning got a fresh start at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire where he realized he was responsible for his own future and rediscovered his love of learning through chemistry and biochemistry classes and research.

Benning, a third-year chemistry major with biochemistry emphasis from Brookfield, is among three UW-Eau Claire undergraduates who are recipients of prestigious 2025-26 Goldwater Scholarship awards given to academically outstanding second- and third-year college students studying science, engineering and mathematics. The other two recipients are Rachel Horejsi, a microbiology and bioinformatics double major from Ellendale, Minnesota; and Jada Wahl, a biology major with an ecology and environmental biology emphasis, from Holmen.

“I can't imagine that it would have been possible to get to this point had I not attended UW-Eau Claire,” Benning says. “The surplus of research opportunities completely turned my expectations from university on its head, being able to work with great faculty on the forefront of science. Researching things that aren't fully understood is a really unique experience and provides so much opportunity.”

At UW-Eau Claire, Benning discovered he could frequently talk face to face with faculty who are willing to help and offer advice, which has been “instrumental in figuring out college life and beyond.”

Benning has been involved in multiple research projects, including two projects with Dr. Scott Bailey-Hartsel, professor emeritus of chemistry and biochemistry, on the color and clarity of dark beer and the potential effects of fungal infections on the production of the spicy molecule in horseradish. The beer color research project resulted in a first-author publication for Benning and the horseradish study results will have “great practical significance for our corporate partners,” Bailey-Hartsel says.

Benning has high intelligence, creative energy, positive attitude and persistence — a trait Bailey-Hartsel says is the most important defining quality to become a successful scientist.

“Coming up with ideas and following them to conclusion even if they do not work out as you expect is the norm for a successful scientist,” Bailey-Hartsel says. “This is real science — a lot of hard work may never be published. Many very bright students throw in the towel when things don’t work out. But not Thomas.”

Benning also did research with Dr. Tyler Doyon, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, to investigate biocatalysis, the usage of enzymes in syntheses, that has significance in green science.

Doyon says Benning is a “deeply engaged learner” with a keen interest in building a solid foundation of chemistry knowledge for his bright future. Benning has “a fire in his belly for discovery and research” and a genuine curiosity that has led to many in-depth conversations with Doyon about enzymology, biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, Doyon says.

“The ability to rapidly internalize new techniques and apply them to undeveloped systems is rare amongst undergraduates researchers and makes Thomas stand out amongst the top students at UWEC,” Doyon says. “With his training and background, he will be a strong candidate for a number of high-level graduate research institutions. As a result, he will be in a great position to make significant contributions to his chosen fields of chemistry.”

After graduating from UW-Eau Claire, Benning plans to attend graduate school and join an organic chemistry lab with the goal of using his knowledge and skills for drug design and development in the industry.