2025 Cohort Trip Highlights Intersections of Leadership, Innovation, and People-to-People Connections

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy 2020, 2023, and 2024 cohorts recently concluded a transformative trip to New York City from March 8-12, 2025. Designed to expand the Scholars’ global perspectives, leadership skills, and sense of community, the trip offered invaluable experiences through visits to iconic landmarks, cultural institutions, and the world’s financial epicenter.

McDonnell Scholars Reflect on 2025 Cohort Trip to New York City

Through immersive experiences at iconic landmarks, esteemed cultural institutions, and the heart of the world’s financial hub, the Scholars gained invaluable insights. Explore the reflections and lessons learned from several McDonnell Scholars, who discovered new dimensions of leadership and community during the 2025 Cohort Trip to New York City.

Research in a Flash: Celebrating Innovation at PhD-in-3D

Eleven distinguished senior McDonnell Scholars competed for top honors and recognition at the annual McDonnell Academy PhD-in-3D competition held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. These Scholars faced the challenge of distilling their research into a compelling three-minute presentation for a non-specialist audience, igniting fierce competition and spirited discussions among the panel of judges. The judges […]

Empowering the Next Generation: McDonnell Scholar Robert Kasumba Leads Scholarship Program in Uganda

By: Robert Kasumba Robert Kasumba, a 3rd-year McDonnell Scholar, is making a meaningful impact as a board member of the Harambee Center, a nonprofit fostering cultural exchange between East Africa and North America. Drawing inspiration from his experience in the McDonnell Academy, Robert is championing a transformative scholarship initiative to support underprivileged but talented students […]

Global Tastes, Local Connections: A Journey Through Sci-FEAST

On November 9, 2024, the McDonnell Scholars brought the Global Food Science Experience to Saint Louis Science Center Sci-FEAST. Their stories take us on a culinary adventure that bridges cultures, celebrates diversity, and showcases the rich tapestry of global flavors brought together by the McDonnell Academy’s vibrant community. Each team reflected on their experiences, sharing […]

Connecting Scholars to Transformative Opportunities: Insights from B4U Mentorship at Bayer Crop Sciences

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is dedicated to facilitating opportunities for Scholars to engage with global industry leaders to enhance their professional development and advance their careers. Among these opportunities is the Bayer University Mentoring Program (B4U), an innovative initiative launched by Bayer Crop Science in 2018. The program pairs graduate students and postdoc mentees […]

McDonnell Academy Now Accepting Applications for 2025 Cohort

The McDonnell International Scholars Academy is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year! Join a prestigious graduate fellowship program designed to cultivate exceptional leadership skills while you pursue your graduate or professional degree at one of the top universities in the U.S., Washington University in St. Louis. Imagine being part of a dynamic, vibrant […]

Exploring Leadership and Innovation: McDonnell Scholars Visit Nestlé Purina

On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, a dedicated and longstanding supporter of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy program, hosted McDonnell Scholars for an insightful visit to its headquarters in St. Louis. The intention of this visit was to allow the Scholars to explore career opportunities within the Purina enterprise and allow our […]

From Lab to Podcast: McDonnell Scholar Allison Martinez Mejia Earns Prestigious Fellowship and Engages Young Minds

The McDonnell Academy takes pride in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of McDonnell Scholar Allison Martinez Mejia, who continues to distinguish herself through remarkable academic and research achievements. Allison, a biomedical PhD student at the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), has been honored with an AAHHE Graduate Fellowship, awarded by […]

Fostering Connections Through the McDonnell Scholar Network: A Collaborative Opportunity

By: Mustafa Rfat As a McDonnell Scholar at Washington University in St. Louis, I’ve been fortunate to be part of a diverse and supportive academic network. This network not only provides an opportunity to collaborate with fellow scholars but also allows for meaningful connections beyond our immediate circles. A recent example of this occurred when […]