STARKVILLE, Mississippi – Madison Brode, a senior majoring in biological sciences at Mississippi State University, is the university’s first recipient of the Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious award that provides graduate-level study in the United Kingdom for a select 50 American students each year.
“Gifted and accomplished scholars like Madison Brode are a powerful testament to the mission and vision of our university,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum. “I am so proud of Madison’s outstanding academic achievements and how she represents our faculty, staff and students so well. Our Shackouls Honors College continues to be a launching pad for excellence.”
Brode, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, will study biodiversity, conservation and management at the University of Oxford in England, where she has studied abroad twice before.
Part of her overseas experience was funded by scholarships from MSU’s Turner A. Wingo Honors College Excellence and Dr. Nancy Hargrove Study Abroad endowments.
“I am so excited and honoured to be selected as a Marshall Scholar, and I am thrilled to be returning to the UK to pursue graduate studies. The support I’ve received as a student at MSU to pursue research, study abroad and apply for external scholarships has been incredible. I think winning the Marshall Scholarship is undoubtedly a reflection of the amazing opportunities I’ve had during my undergraduate career,” said Brode, who has conducted significant research in ornithology and avian behavioural ecology.
“What drew me to the UK in the first place, and what makes me want to return for my postgraduate studies, is its rich history of bird research and conservation. Whatever my role after graduation, I hope to connect people with nature,” she added.
Brode is expected to graduate in spring 2024.
