MSU nominates NatSci seniors for prestigious Marshall, Mitchell Scholarships
Article Highlights
- Four undergraduate seniors in the Michigan State University College of Natural Science (NatSci) have been nominated for the prestigious Marshall Scholarship.
- One undergraduate senior was also nominated for the Mitchell Scholarship.
- The Distinguished Student Awards Office helps undergraduate and graduate students pursue major national and international opportunities by providing information and direct support throughout the competitive application processes.
Four undergraduate seniors in the Michigan State University College of Natural Science (NatSci) have been nominated for the prestigious Marshall Scholarship, a competitive opportunity that funds graduate school in the United Kingdom (UK). Kyleen Hall, Brennan Haugen, Isaac Smith, and Dorothy Zhao are among the 10 MSU Honors College students and two alumni nominated this year. Haugen was also nominated for the Mitchell Scholarship.
Annually, up to 50 students in the United States receive Marshall Scholarships to pursue graduate studies in the UK. Marshall scholars are future leaders studying in any field and building connections with British people which, in turn, strengthens the relationships between the two countries.
The Mitchell Scholarship allows up to 12 future American leaders to pursue a year of graduate study in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The scholarship is awarded to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, and to recognize and foster intellectual achievement, leadership and a commitment to community and public service.
“The College of Natural Science congratulates these four exceptional members of our community on their nominations for these prestigious scholarships for graduate study,” said Lynmarie Posey, NatSci associate dean. “These nominations recognize their academic achievements and potential as future leaders in their respective fields. NatSci is proud to have contributed to their development and looks forward to their future accomplishments.”
As a current student of physics and advanced mathematics, Isaac Smith plans to get his doctorate in physics and eventually become a professor.
“I am honored to be nominated for the Marshall Scholarship along with all the other incredible nominees,” Smith said. “Being able to study in the UK as a Marshall Scholar will help me significantly toward my future career as a theoretical physicist. I am excited to be considered for such an amazing opportunity.”
After graduating from MSU, Kyleen Hall plans to continue studying microbiology and pursue a Ph.D. in the field with a focus in public health research. By focusing her research on communicable diseases that disproportionately affect impoverished regions of the world, she aims to promote increased health equity in those areas. Her long-term goal is to become a leader in global health, working for organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).
“It is such an honor to be nominated by MSU for this award,” Hall said. “The Marshall Scholarship is a testament to the lasting relationship between the United States and the UK. In my eyes, being nominated gives me the opportunity to have a concrete role in that partnership, which is a privilege that I am excited to have.”
Studying for a dual degree in human biology and psychology, Brennan Haugen is pursuing perinatology at the global health level. By working with organizations such as WHO and UNICEF to improve perinatal care, he hopes to decrease the rates of disabilities in developing countries.
“Through the Social Science Scholars Program, research in the Research in Autism and Developmental Disabilities lab, and countless opportunities in NatSci such as amazing professors, adventurous study abroad trips and connections with devoted physicians, MSU has provided a breadth of opportunity and attention toward the lives of individuals who may remain disadvantaged in our community through investment in MSU students' endeavors,” Haugen said. “Being nominated for the Marshall and Mitchell Scholarships is just an extension of MSU's care to improve the community and world around us through investment in those who seek to accomplish such things.”
Dorothy Zhao is majoring in neuroscience and human biology in NatSci and psychology in the College of Social Science. She plans to attend graduate and medical school with the ultimate goal of advancing the applications of deep brain stimulation for the treatment of treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders.
“I am honored to have been nominated by MSU for the Marshall Scholarship,” Zhao said. “This is a transformative opportunity to further my education and research interests in the UK. I would like to thank my mentors, professors, and the Distinguished Student Awards Office for their help and support throughout the application process.”
The Distinguished Student Awards Office (formerly National/International Fellowships and Scholarships Office), administered by the Honors College, helps undergraduate and graduate students pursue major national and international opportunities by providing information and direct support throughout the competitive application processes.
Banner image: Four undergraduate seniors in the Michigan State University College
of Natural Science--Kyleen Hall, Brennan Haugen, Isaac Smith, and Dorothy Zhao—have
been nominated for the Marshall Scholarship, a competitive opportunity that funds
graduate school in the United Kingdom. Haugen was also nominated for the Mitchell
Scholarship, which allows for a year of graduate study in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Credit: Harley J. Seeley
