The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most prestigious undergraduate award in the world. The University of Michigan has had 30 Rhodes Scholars since the program was founded in 1902, as well as many finalists. Finalists have made it all the way through three rounds of selection and interview with a national Rhodes selection committee. It’s a tremendous accomplishment in its own right. This year, U-M had four Rhodes finalists. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements!
Henry is a 2020 Goldwater Scholar, 2022 Marshall Scholarship alternate, and 2022 Rhodes finalist. Henry has been involved in a wide variety of research projects, including four accepted research papers with seven more in the works. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science, studying the intersection of algorithms, complexity theory, and society.
Reflecting on the Rhodes application experience, Henry states, “Participating in the application process has forced me to sit down and wonder about what my future will hold. This reflection allowed me to realize the true source of my academic interests and streamline both these applications and my concurrent Ph.D. applications. I believe that I now have a much more granular understanding of my own passions.”
Henry would like to thank all of his recommenders, particularly Steven J. Miller, Greg Bodwin, and Karthik C.S. for their invaluable advice and continued mentorship.
As an undergraduate, Alice double-majored in Neuroscience and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB). Her undergraduate honors thesis earned Highest Honors in Neuroscience, the Christine Psujek Memorial Award, and the UPiN (Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience) Director's Award. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in EEB, studying social networks of white-faced capuchin monkeys. Alice is also a student athlete in track and cross country, earning All-American honors for both athletics and academics.
Alice wants to continue with research in the fields of biological anthropology, evolutionary biology, and biopsychology. She is specifically interested in the evolution of social behavior and how it influences other aspects of our lives such as fitness, cognitive ability, and tool use.
When asked if she had any insights to share about the Rhodes application process, Alice notes, “For me, pursuing research is not just about the final results. I also want to share with others my enthusiasm for science and the scientific process more generally. I found this application process insightful because it forced me to identify the key moments in my past that have shaped the scientist I have become today. Going forward, I hope that this self-reflection will enable me to better share my story with the upcoming generation of future scientists and better convey the reasons behind my excitement and enthusiasm.”
Alice wants to thank everyone who supported her, especially her advisors, parents, and friends.
Xalma is a 2022 Truman Scholar and 2022 MLK Spirit Award recipient. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy. Much of her work focuses on voting rights and the impact democratic exclusion has on both individuals and democracy. Xalma was a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Intern in the Summer of 2021 and a Research Assistant to Dr. Angelo Ocampo.
Initially, her graduate school search was purely domestic. However, applying to Rhodes showed her some of the benefits of pursuing learning opportunities outside of the US. When asked about the application process, Xalma said, “Although I have been lucky with other opportunities, the meaningful thing about applying to Rhodes is that I was initially intimidated. I was hesitant to even consider it. But through the process of it all, I realized the benefit of talking to mentors, advisors, and people in my community who helped me to understand why I should apply. I learned that it is okay for you to do something that feels intimidating because you’re capable of doing more than you can imagine.”
Xalma would like to give credit to her mom, grandma, and sister for continuing to inspire and support her.
Vince is a dedicated activist for persons with disabilities. Many of his positions and roles have involved building partnerships between universities and the state government. His work is aimed at addressing the National Caregiver Shortage and increasing access to community based care services for older Americans and persons with disabilities.
He plans to go to law school and become a disability rights legal advocate. Vince has said that the Rhodes is an incredible opportunity to reflect on the struggles he has had to endure as a person with a disability trying to earn a degree and how he has turned his own experience into a case of meaningful research.
“Let me serve as the living proof. I am a man in a wheelchair. My life started with modest beginnings. My mother is a secretary for a Veteran's Administration Hospital, and my father is a contractor. I am from a tiny town - Bridgeport, West Virginia - in the foothills of Appalachia. I was never supposed to live past the age of seven. Spinal Muscular Atrophy has made me stronger as a person because my disability inspires me to work hard and challenge people's expectations. If I can do this, you can do anything.”
Vince would like to thank his family, medical care providers, mentors, personal care assistants, and most importantly: his grandmother Norma Cochran Booth.
