The ARCS Metro Washington Chapter’s (ARCS MWC) 2025 Scholar Awards Reception on October 23, 2025, was a wonderful and inspiring evening, combining celebration, connection, and conviviality. Held at the beautiful National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC, the event brought together 141 attendees, the largest turnout since the pandemic, including current and potential members and donors, several chapter Scholar Alumni, and the 2025-26 cohort of 21 ARCS MWC Scholars.
The evening began with a separate networking reception for the Scholars and Scholar Alumni, generously underwritten by Georgetown University, one of the chapter’s five partner universities. The Scholars enjoyed speaking with the many alumni, learning about the challenges and successes they have faced since they were Scholars. The Scholars then moved to their poster session in the impressive and soaring Great Hall – in the nation’s home of science – where guests had the opportunity to hear directly from the Scholars about their groundbreaking research. It was an honor to learn about the innovative work they are pursuing and the real-world impact of their studies!
The honors program was held in the Fred Kavli Auditorium, where each ARCS MWC Scholar was called to the stage to receive their medallion and certificate. A highlight of the evening was the keynote speaker, Dr. Kristen Bloshock, a chapter member and an ARCS MWC Scholar Alumna, who was a Scholar from 2004 to 2007 while a PhD candidate in physics at Georgetown University.
Bloschock told guests how the ARCS award carried her through long research days, saying that just knowing members were cheering her on made a lasting impact. She emphasized how important her ARCS award was to her, saying, “I wanted to continue the research I started during my industry apprenticeship, but my advisor’s grant money didn’t fully cover that research. If not for ARCS, I probably would have had to change topics.”
She became an ARCS MWC member two years after graduation, saying, “Once again, ARCS came into my life to provide exactly what I needed – community, a tie to the previous chapter of my life, a way to give back, and even networking opportunities.” She told the Scholars that mentors are very important, but stressed the particular importance of having mentors who are advocates for each Scholar, saying, “ARCS is a fantastic place to find advocates. I am living proof of that.”
She delighted the audience with fun photos from her student days and throughout her career. Kristen’s mom, aunt, uncle, husband, colleagues, mentor, and ARCS MWC sponsor joined to celebrate her achievements, making the evening even more special. Co-Presidents Julie Hohl and Jane Riddle say, “Dr. Bloshock contributes significantly to our continued success as women leaders achieving the ARCS MWC mission, a mission that is all the more important now given reduced national funding for science and engineering.”
The event also inspired the next generation of scientists and engineers. An ARCS MWC member sponsored the attendance of 15 physics students from Wakefield High School. The students were enthralled by the opportunity to speak with the Scholars about their research, seeing them as role models. Maybe one day, ARCS MWC will be celebrating Wakefield students as ARCS Scholars.
