Published on May 13, 2025

Story by Logan Jackson

Published on May 13, 2025

Fifteen University of Missouri students will have the opportunity to travel overseas after receiving the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship this spring. The scholarship enables students with financial barriers to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to U.S. security and economic prosperity.

“The Gilman Scholarship is a terrific opportunity for students to take their college experience to the next level,” said Erik Potter, program manager for the Mizzou Office of Global and National Fellowships. “Even more, all of the students who worked on their application with a Fellowships advisor, a Mizzou Study Abroad advisor or a Writing Center tutor have learned how to better advocate for their own academic and career goals.”

Gilman takes applications twice a year, in March and October. This spring’s recipients include:

Emma Adams

• Sophomore clinical and diagnostic sciences major
• Destination: Thailand

Tragan Chambers

• Sophomore biological sciences and psychological sciences double major, who is also pursuing the Honors Certificate through the Mizzou Honors College
• Destination: France

Jadyn Eisenlohr

• Senior natural resource science and management major
• Destination: Thailand

Kate Kottman

• Sophomore plant sciences major, who is also pursuing the Honors Certificate through the Mizzou Honors College
• Destination: Germany

Betsy Krenek

• Sophomore linguistics and romance languages (Spanish) double major, who is also pursuing the Honors Certificate through the Mizzou Honors College
• Destination: Peru/Spain

Stacy Marshall

• Senior communication major
• Destination: Undecided

Casey Merckling

• Sophomore business administration and economics double major, who is also pursuing the Honors Certificate through the Mizzou Honors College
• Destination: Undecided

Coffie Mondaine

• Junior English and psychological sciences double major
• Destination: South Korea

Jada Mulholland

• Senior political science major
• Destination: Kyrgyzstan/Uzbekistan

Ada Nelson

• Sophomore physics major, who is also pursuing the Honors Certificate through the Mizzou Honors College
• Destination: United Kingdom

Ellie Poli

• Sophomore anthropology and art history double major
• Destination: Italy

Rebekah Prasuhn

• Junior health science major
• Destination: Greece

Julia Skelton

• Senior history major
• Destination: Italy

Pablo Torres Rios

• Senior international studies major
• Destination: Germany

Christian Welch

• Freshman international studies major
• Destination: Japan

Students interested in studying abroad with Gilman funding can learn more about the award and the Mizzou Office of Global and National Fellowships support on the Gilman Scholarship webpage.