Student Stories

Students of diverse backgrounds and disciplines have come through our doors. They dedicate months of time and effort into preparing for and applying to internationally and nationally competitive fellowships. Some have received awards. Some have not but learned about themselves through the process. They used the skills, knowledge and drive gained through this experience to get accepted into graduate school, Peace Corps, and other opportunities that have enriched their lives. Here are a few of their stories.

Sophia McCann

June 6, 2024

Sophia McCann Headed to Wales Through the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes

By Logan Jackson Published on June 6, 2024 Since she was young, Sophia McCann has dreamed about traveling abroad. The Fulbright UK Summer Institutes is going to allow McCann to fulfill that dream. McCann, a sophomore geography major (physical/environmental emphasis area), will spend three weeks at Aberystwyth University, located in Wales. Sophia McCann “I was so excited to receive the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes award,” said McCann, who is also pursuing the Honors Certificate at MU. “I immediately started calling my friends and family after finding out so I could share the good news. I couldn’t be more grateful to…

Headshots of five students were earned the Fulbright.

June 6, 2024

Mizzou students selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Three University of Missouri students were recently selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, and two students are alternates if additional funding becomes available. A prestigious program that provides scholarships for recent graduates, graduate students and young professionals to undertake research, study or teaching abroad, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program aims to promote cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and other countries.

A picture of the Mizzou columns.

June 6, 2024

Mizzou students receive Gilman Scholarship

Fourteen University of Missouri students will have the opportunity to travel overseas in 2024-25 after receiving the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The scholarship enables students with financial barriers to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to U.S. security and economic prosperity. Erik Potter, program manager for the MU Office of Global and National Fellowships, said the 14 scholarships are the second-highest total Mizzou has had. The Office of Global and National Fellowships collaborates with Mizzou Study Abroad on advising and application support for students pursuing the Gilman Scholarship.

Headshots of five students were earned the Critical Language Scholarship.

June 6, 2024

Undergraduate students awarded Critical Language Scholarships

Five University of Missouri students were recently awarded the highly coveted Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), an overseas language and cultural immersion program available to students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Additionally, one alternate was named. Granted by the U.S. Department of State, this prestigious award provides students the opportunity to spend up to 10 weeks abroad, where they will study one of 14 critical languages.

Jenny Park being surprised by a roomful of friends, family and facutly.

June 6, 2024

Jenny Park receives Mark Twain Fellowship

University of Missouri senior Jenny Park thought she was attending a meeting with the foundation that is funding her research project. Instead, she walked into a conference room jam-packed with her mentors, advisors, teachers, parents and University of Missouri President Mun Choi. “You are this year’s Mark Twain Fellow!” Choi said. “Congratulations! All of these individuals are here to congratulate you and celebrate your achievements.”…

Emma Knudson

April 30, 2024

Building Her Network

By Logan Jackson Published on April 30, 2024 During Emma Knudson’s two years as an undergraduate student at the University of Missouri she has taken part in an impressive variety of hands-on learning opportunities, especially related to research. Knudson will be able to build on those experiences this summer after recently earning the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship offered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Emma Knudson The award includes a paid summer internship at a NOAA facility, two years of tuition support and travel aid. “The internship will give…

Noah Lively

April 8, 2024

An Outstanding Overseas Opportunity

By Logan Jackson Published on April 8, 2024 Through the Princeton in Asia Fellowship, Noah Lively will teach English to preschool and kindergarten students in Yakage, Japan. Photo by Logan Jackson. A year ago, Noah Lively spent a semester at Doshisha University, located in Kyoto, Japan, through a study abroad experience. That program offers University of Missouri students an opportunity to improve their Japanese skills, attend lectures on Japanese and international studies, and take part in interdisciplinary courses designed to foster a better understanding of Japan in a global context. A senior international studies (east Asian studies) and physics double…

Rise Germany graphic featuring Emma McDougal and Lara Stefani.

April 3, 2024

Exploring Their Research Interests

By Logan Jackson Published on April 3, 2024 Two University of Missouri students will explore their research interests in Germany this summer through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) program. Both Emma McDougal and Lara Stefani will have the opportunity to develop their research passions after recently being named DAAD RISE recipients. “Mizzou students are chosen for this award every year, and it’s one of best ways for them to take their research skills to the next level,” said Erik Potter, program manager of the MU Office of Global…

The MU Excels event featured a handful of awards, including three for faculty mentors. Pictured is Nicole Campione-Barr (left), who earned the Robin G. Walker Award.

March 21, 2024

An Evening of Excellence

By Logan Jackson Published on March 22, 2024 The MU Excels event featured a handful of awards, including three for faculty mentors. Pictured is Nicole Campione-Barr (left), who earned the Robin G. Walker Award. Photo by Logan Jackson. University of Missouri students pursue a variety of nationally competitive grants, scholarships and fellowships. But they don’t do so alone. In addition to their faculty mentors, the MU Office of Global and National Fellowships aids Mizzou students throughout the application journey as they navigate the various requirements, all the while exploring their interests, building their skills, articulating their goals and developing…

Fulbright Canada graphic

Dec. 13, 2023

Expanding Their Horizons

By Logan Jackson Published on March 26, 2024 Two University of Missouri students – juniors Jordan Chiantelli-Mosebach and Tanner Smith – recently secured Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Internships, offered through the Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States (Fulbright Canada). The internship is designed for students from the U.S. who are interested in traveling to Canada to participate in advanced research projects in their interest areas. Students spend 10 to 12 weeks in the summer on an established research project, supervised by a professor. There are also ample opportunities…