Feb. 11, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt senior distance runner, Amanda Scott has been awarded the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship – a full-cost scholarship award used for graduate study and research in any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
“This is a great opportunity for Amanda and I couldn’t be happier for her,” cross country coach Steve Keith said. “The Gates Cambridge Scholar program is getting a fantastic person in Amanda and I know that she will put her studies to good use.”
Following graduation in May, Scott will begin her studies at Cambridge in October 2009. The Virginia Beach, Va., native plans to pursue a master’s degree in advanced chemical engineering in order to gain the training and skills to develop renewable technologies that are both environmentally friendly and economical. Scott is majoring in chemical engineering and chemistry with minor studies in materials science and mathematics.
Off the track, Scott created a program that partners Vanderbilt University with the Oasis Center, helping teens overcome challenges that prevent them from healthy adulthood. The program also teaches science in a fun interactive environment and encourages youth at the emergency shelter.
Scott’s long-term goal is to attain a doctorate degree in chemical engineering and continue to work toward cleaner fuel production for the industry, government and society.
In 2000 the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donated $210 million to establish the Gates Cambridge Trust, which created in perpetuity an international scholarship program to enable outstanding graduates from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarships are highly competitive and the trust seeks to elect 100 new Gates Scholars annually. Typically, 250 to 300 people are interviewed for the 100 scholarships each year. Approximately 40 of the 100 new scholarships each year are awarded to U.S. citizens.
The scholarships are awarded on the basis of candidates’ academic excellence, a good fit between the scholar and the University of Cambridge, evidence of leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.