Three Gates Cambridge Scholars will join the Lucy community next October
The 2023 cohort of Gates Cambridge Scholars was announced last week.
Lucy Cavendish College is delighted to announce that two US Gates Scholars will be joining its vibrant community later this year
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship programme was established in 2000 by the largest ever single donation to a UK university from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The aim of the Gates Cambridge programme is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. The programme places an emphasis on outstanding academic achievement as well as social leadership in its selection process. Since the first class, there have been more than 1,000 Gates Cambridge Scholars from over 100 countries.
The newly revealed 23 US Scholars-elect will join around 60 Scholars from other parts of the world, who will be announced in early April. The full class of 2022 will join current Gates Cambridge Scholars in October to form a community of almost 300 current Scholars in residence at the world-leading University of Cambridge.
Joining Lucy Cavendish College are:
Nidhi Patel (MPhil Development Studies)
As an undergraduate jointly studying Government and Neuroscience, Nidhi explored the effects of violence on human welfare from a political, biological, and social perspective. At Cambridge, she is excited to build on these experiences and pursue an MPhil in Development Studies. In her dissertation research, she hopes to better understand how to design and implement social policies that can empower communities impacted by violence. Nidhi is enthusiastic about the prospect of working at the Centre of Governance and Human Rights, and Centre for Gender Studies, cutting-edge research networks that bring together a diverse amalgamation of professors, students, and professionals for projects and enriching seminars on topics related to the politics of gender violence, peacebuilding, and health in conflict-affected societies. She is honoured to join the wider Gates Cambridge community, and is looking forward to growing alongside her peers during her time in the UK!
Erin Hayes (PhD Astronomy)
During her first semester as a student at the University of Pennsylvania, Erin developed an insatiable curiosity for astrophysics. Soon after, she became involved in research on dark matter and the transient universe, including black holes and supernovae. Her curiosity, combined with research experience, grew into a BA and MSc in Physics and a desire to pursue a PhD in Astronomy. Additionally, it spurred in her a passion for encouraging more young women to pursue a STEM education, which she has enjoyed doing as a mentor and tutor. At the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy, Erin will study supernovae in the near infrared as a probe of the accelerated expansion of the universe. In addition, she will continue her efforts to increase the involvement of women and underrepresented groups in physics through mentorship and advocacy. Erin looks forward to being part of the Gates-Cambridge community to learn from and engage with scholars who are actively working to improve the lives of others.
“We know that these scholars will flourish in the rich, international community at Cambridge and will go on to make a significant impact in their fields and to the wider global community.”
-Professor Barry Everitt