Sixteen students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have been named Gilman Scholars and awarded a collective $55,000 in scholarships from the U.S. Department of State to support their studies or internships abroad.
“It’s inspiring to see our Volunteers exploring academic and personal growth around the globe, from Brazil to Finland to South Africa and beyond,” said Meredith Malburne-Wade, director of the university’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.
The Gilman Scholarship is named after Benjamin Gilman, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1973 to 2003 and spent many years on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The program aims to expand study abroad opportunities for students from all academic fields and backgrounds, helping them develop skills essential to the United States’ national security and economic prosperity.
“Congratulations to the 16 Gilman recipients this spring, and many thanks to our colleagues in Programs Abroad and the Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center who join us each semester in support of these amazing scholars,” Malburne-Wade said.
Meet the Recipients
Maia Belli of Cookeville, Tennessee, is a junior studying architecture. She will participate in Finland Summer Architecture Institute at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland.
“I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship in support of my summer abroad and long-term career goals,” Belli said. “The values of Finnish architecture align greatly with my own as a designer, and I am extremely excited to delve deeper into the country’s beautiful, contemplative culture.”
Desiree Bland of Houston, Texas, is a senior majoring in social work. She will travel abroad to research healthcare systems in Italy and the United Kingdom.
“I am sincerely honored to receive this award. This work is grounded in a commitment to equity and social justice, with a focus on how public policy shapes opportunity, access and well-being across different societies,” Bland said. “I am grateful for the chance to explore how systems and decisions can either reduce or reinforce inequality, and to contribute to conversations about building fairer, more inclusive communities.”
Zeyhan Boodhwani of Collierville, Tennessee, is a senior majoring in accounting. He will study global business and cultural communication in Lisbon, Portugal.
“Studying abroad in Lisbon will allow me to grow both academically and personally while gaining a global perspective on business and culture,” Boodhwani said. “This opportunity will help me become a more adaptable leader and better prepare me for my future career goals.”
Eli Botos of Charleston, South Carolina, is a senior studying biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology. He will study Spanish in Spain this summer.
“You only have one life to live, so live it to the fullest,” Botos said.
Myla Brown of Clarksville, Tennessee, is a sophomore majoring in accounting. She will study in a cultural immersion program in South Africa.
“As a Black woman, studying abroad in South Africa is especially meaningful to me, and I’m honored to represent UT as a cultural ambassador,” Brown said. “This scholarship allows me to explore new perspectives while carrying my own story and identity with pride.”
Aidan Cottar of White House, Tennessee, is a junior majoring in supply chain management. He will participate in a summer academic internship program in Barcelona, Spain.
“I’m incredibly honored to be named a Gilman Scholar, as this opportunity allows me to serve as a cultural ambassador while continuing to grow through my experiences abroad,” Cottar said. “I’m excited to keep learning and bring those insights back to my community.”
Michael Gouveia of Memphis is a junior majoring in neuroscience. He will participate in a cultural immersion program in Bordeaux, France.
“This award provides an unparalleled opportunity to step out of the traditional classroom and fully immerse myself in the French language and culture,” Gouveia said. “I am excited to advance my fluency in Bordeaux and look forward to bringing a more global perspective back to my academic and campus life.”
Noah Hall of Knoxville, a junior majoring in biology, will study healthcare sustainability practices in the Netherlands.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity — working towards a goal and achieving it is a great feeling,” Hall said. “I cannot wait to bring back fantastic memories, experience and knowledge to America when I return.”
Lea Juarez of Memphis is a sophomore majoring in computational biology. She will study in Germany with the goal of learning to apply advanced programming directly to global biological challenges.
“Pressure is a privilege because it shows our actions matter,” Juarez said. “Never look at mistakes as final failures. Instead, see them as essential lessons that drive us to keep moving forward and build a better future.”
Rachel Lawrence of Knoxville, a senior studying graphic design, will study Korean design in Seoul, South Korea.
“Being selected as a Gilman scholar means that I am able to pursue my passion for design on an international level,” Lawrence said. “I hope to carry this experience as a foundation for my future.”
Joseph McCampbell of Maryville, Tennessee, is a junior studying mechanical engineering and Portuguese. He will participate in a two-month immersive program in São Paulo, Brazil.
“I’m honored to be receiving such a prestigious award as the Gilman scholarship, and I hope my accomplishment inspires other students within the Portuguese program to strive for greatness,” McCampbell said. “This opportunity will help me to improve my fluency, and is an important touchstone for my goal of living and working in Brazil.”
Kylie McWilliams of Knoxville, a senior majoring in accounting, will complete a summer internship in Prague, Czech Republic.
“I’m honored to receive this award and excited for the opportunity to represent the University of Tennessee abroad while completing my internship in Prague,” McWilliams said. “This experience will allow me to learn from a new culture and business environment and bring those perspectives and skills back to my community and future career.”
Ashley Nobles of Kingsport, Tennessee, a senior majoring in management, will participate in an eight-week academic internship in Madrid, Spain.
“I am extremely grateful for the Gilman Scholarship, as it not only gives me the opportunity to study abroad for the first time, but also encourages reflection on myself and my goals,” Nobles said.
Cami Quick of Clarkrange, Tennessee, is a senior majoring in business analytics. She will study international business in the Netherlands.
“I am so incredibly grateful to have this opportunity to study abroad with the financial assistance of the Gilman Scholarship,” Quick said. “I am excited to grow professionally and academically through this experience and to encourage other first-generation students to pursue similar opportunities.”
The remaining two recipients have chosen to remain anonymous.
Applications for the next Gilman Scholarship cycle are now open. To explore fellowship opportunities or receive support in applying for the Gilman and other nationally competitive awards, UT students can visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships website.
No photo available for Myla Brown.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Stacy Estep (865-974-8304, [email protected])