Nine students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have been offered a collective $32,000 in Gilman Scholarship awards to support their studies abroad.
“Gilman offers a tremendous opportunity for more students from UT to enhance their educations through the power of study abroad,” said Meredith Malburne-Wade, director of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. “We offer a huge congratulations to these students, each of whom dedicated considerable time and effort to their applications, and wish them an extraordinary experience in their chosen countries.”
The scholarship program is named for Benjamin Gilman, who served from 1973 to 2003 in the House of Representatives and for many years on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Gilman Scholarship aims to broaden access to study abroad through scholarships.
Meet the recipients
Sandy Sunshine Cooper of Wilmington, North Carolina, is a senior majoring in linguistics and French and Francophone studies with a minor in English.
Through the Gilman Scholarship, Cooper will study at the University of Bordeaux, learn French as a second language through service-based learning opportunities, and tour historical sites in the region.
“I am so thankful to have been chosen as a Gilman Scholar to fully fund my first time studying abroad,” said Cooper. “As someone who wishes to become fluent in French, I hope to take in this experience as much as I can and improve my language skills while showing my Volunteer spirit through working with the local Bordeaux community.”
Jerry Custalow of Philadelphia, Tennessee, is a senior double majoring in language and world business (with a concentration in Japanese) and international business with a minor in sociology.
Through the Gilman Scholarship, Custalow will study abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan for the upcoming academic year. He will live with a host family to further immerse himself in Japanese society and learn about the culture and language in a home setting.
“The Gilman Scholarship not only helps me get closer to realizing my goals, but it also will encourage me to share my experiences in Japan with other students here at UT,” said Custalow. “I look forward to the conversations I will have.”
Ryan Herzog of Kingsport, Tennessee, is a senior studying neuroscience and biochemistry and molecular biology with a minor in philosophy.
With the Gilman Scholarship, Herzog will travel to the United Kingdom with Distinguished Lecturer Beth Cooper and Professor Matt Cooper through UT’s Neuroscience in the UK study abroad program. The courses will cover multisensory perception integration and the neurobiological basis of stress.
“I am extremely grateful to have received this scholarship,” said Herzog. “As a future physician, the diverse experiences from this trip will undoubtedly provide more depth to my work.”
Makayla Inmon of Nashville is a sophomore studying animal science.
The Gilman Scholarship will support Inmon as she embarks on a trip to Belize to work alongside veterinarians providing medical care for small animals.
“I wanted to pursue this opportunity because it allows me to strengthen my path to becoming a veterinarian,” said Inmon. “Being able to go abroad allows me to grow my mind and values because not only will I be learning processes in the veterinary field, but I’ll be learning others’ cultures as well.”
Zaria Kendall of Lebanon, Tennessee, graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a minor in data science.
Kendall will use the Gilman Scholarship to pursue a psychology program in Vienna, Austria.
“Thank you to Undergraduate Research and Fellowships for helping me find this opportunity,” said Kendall. “Without the Gilman, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my dreams of going abroad.”
Layla Moore of Memphis is a sophomore earning a dual degree in political science and studio art.
The Gilman Scholarship will allow Moore to attend the 2024 Political Science Summer program in London, where she will complete coursework to further her understanding of government and art in galleries.
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity afforded to me through the university,” said Moore. “Receiving the Gilman has relieved so many of the financial pressures involved with studying abroad. I look forward to continuing my academic journey and broadening my experiences in London.”
McKenzie Owen of Hartford, Tennessee, is a senior studying geology and geographic information systems.
With the Gilman Scholarship, Owen will travel to Iceland to research clean technology and its impact in hopes of sharing this knowledge with other countries. Her research will allow her to use geographic information systems to create a suitability model for climate technology.
“Who knows if I would’ve gotten the Gilman Scholarship without the help of my study abroad advisors?” said Owen. “Here’s to making dreams happen!”
Daniel Peoples of Memphis is a junior studying finance.
The Gilman Scholarship will support Peoples while he completes an international summer internship in Madrid, Spain.
“For me, going overseas to study and intern is an investment in not only my personal and professional development but also a great opportunity to achieve my academic endeavors to the highest levels,” said Peoples.
The final award is pending student acceptance.
The next Gilman cycle opens in mid-August with an application deadline of Oct. 10. To explore fellowship opportunities or for support applying to nationally competitive awards like the Gilman Scholarship, UT students can visit the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships website or contact the Programs Abroad office.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Maggie Palmer (865-974-3993, [email protected])