At the beginning of this month, fourth-year College student Courtney Schroeder accepted a $50,000 scholarship from the Winston Churchill Foundation that will allow her to spend the next year performing research at Cambridge University in England.
The scholarship, which is awarded to about 13 students annually, allows students to gain a year of research experience before entering graduate school, said Astronomy Prof. Mark Whittle, the University’s liaison to the Foundation.
“It provides [students] the opportunity to broaden experience and broaden contacts,” Whittle said.
Schroeder agreed with Whittle, and said that while she is still planning to pursue graduate studies after her year at Cambridge, the scholarship will help her gain more research experience.
“I just thought that it would be neat to do research in a different environment,” said Schroeder, a chemistry major specializing in biochemistry. “I can hone in on what my interests are.”
During the next year, Schroeder will have the opportunity to work in a laboratory researching the structure of interacting molecules.
“I have an interest in that because I have no experience in structural biology,” Schroeder said.
While Schroeder has not done extensive research in this particular field, she has gained other experience both within and outside of the University.
“[Schroeder] is a terrific student who has been recognized as a Goldwater Scholar,” said Lucy Russell, director of the Center for Undergraduate Excellence at the University. “She has had extensive research experiences here at U.Va. in biochemistry, as well as summer research experiences in New York City and Germany. Through her involvement with the Undergraduate Research Network, she has shared her enthusiasm for research with other students.”
Whittle also noted Schroeder’s qualifications for the scholarship, highlighting her aptitude for research, her ability to think creatively and her skills in troubleshooting problems. Schroeder’s skills and prior knowledge will enable her to take full advantage of her time at Cambridge next year, Whittle added.
“I think Courtney is going to have a valuable and enjoyable year in England,” Russell added.
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