An Indian American student from Massachusetts Edridge D’Souza is only one of 15 undergraduates nationwide to earn the prestigious 2019 Churchill Scholarship for a year of post-graduate study in genetics at the University of Cambridge in England.
The international scholarship targets bright young minds with the potential to advance knowledge and discovery in science, math, and engineering. The award, worth approximately $60,000, covers full tuition, a stipend, travel costs, and the chance to apply for a $2,000 special research grant. The award provides for American students for a year of post-graduate study in science, mathematics, and engineering at England’s University of Cambridge.
D’Souza, 21, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, math minor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, MA, proposed to study two developmental genes that regulate the nervous system. He will earn a Master of Philosophy in Genetics.
“I’m interested in integrating traditional biology with next-generation computational techniques,” says D’Souza, a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society who has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA.
D’Souza is a member of the Commonwealth Honors College and a biochemistry & molecular biology major and mathematics minor. He was previously awarded a 2018 Goldwater Scholarship in recognition of his exceptional potential for a significant future contribution to scientific research.
The Churchill Scholarship allows scholars from both the United Kingdom and the US to work together to advance science and technology. D’Souza will have the opportunity to perform independent research at Churchill College with future colleagues from around the world. Churchill is the only college at Cambridge that is focused on STEM subjects. He will complete a master’s program in Functional Genomics at the University of Cambridge.
In addition to carrying a rigorous academic schedule, D’Souza finds time for extracurricular activities that reflect a spirit of “giving back.”
He serves as a peer mentor for first-year students on campus and is developing the UMass Genetics Club to increase genetics literacy among students. He also is a state-certified rape crisis counselor/advocate at the Hampshire County Center for Women and Community and writes an op-ed column for the Massachusetts Daily Collegian.
