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.

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 […]

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 […]

Navigating politics, culture and global leadership in Washington DC

This spring, McDonnell Scholars from the 2022 and 2023 cohorts visited the nation’s capital to experience first-hand Washington, D.C.’s political and cultural landscape, expand their professional network, and build personal connections through their shared experience. Joining them on the trip were founding benefactor, John McDonnell, and Chancellor Emeritus Mark Wrighton, both of whom remain actively […]

Exploring Bayer: McDonnell Scholars’ insightful journey

During a special visit to Bayer Crop Science in St. Louis, over 20 McDonnell Scholars had the opportunity to network with experts across multiple sectors during panel sessions. They also gained firsthand knowledge of Bayer’s unique B4U Program and its impact on healthcare and agriculture. Through engaging discussions, a guided tour, and a networking lunch, […]

McDonnell MBA Scholars Represent WashU at McGill Int’l Portfolio Challenge in Montreal

By: Jorge Concha and Felipe Quaassdorff, McDonnell Scholars During the first weekend of November, McGill University, a prestigious university from Montreal, Canada, hosted its new version of the McGill International Portfolio Challenge (MIPC), in which each year there is a unique case to solve the most important challenges pension funds are facing. Universities worldwide send […]