Middle Tennessee State University student Amelia Ferreira has been named a recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s Gilman-McCain Scholarship, marking the third time an MTSU student has earned the competitive award for studying abroad.
An Honors Buchanan Fellow majoring in environmental science from Clarksville, Ferreira will study abroad in Switzerland and Northern Italy and continues a unique family legacy at MTSU, following her sister Hannah, who received the scholarship last year.
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship, administered by the U.S. Department of State, provides $5,000 awards to undergraduate children and spouses of active or activated U.S. military personnel to support credit-bearing study or internship experiences abroad. The highly competitive program is designed to expand access to international education for military-connected students who receive federal financial aid.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Amelia continue a family legacy of excellence and global engagement at MTSU,” said Todd Moore, professor and chair of MTSU’s Geosciences Department. “As a military-connected student, her achievement highlights the importance of creating pathways that make transformative experiences like study abroad accessible to all students.
“Her success reflects not only her hard work and passion for environmental science and sustainability, but also the collaborative support of faculty and advisors who encourage students to take advantage of opportunities and to think beyond borders.”