Tyler Myers, a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been awarded the Churchill Scholarship. The prestigious scholarship supports students furthering their education in the fields of science, mathematics and engineering.
The scholarship is awarded to 18 students annually, funding one year of master’s study at the University of Cambridge while positioning recipients at the forefront of scientific and technological research. Recipients can also apply for a $4,000 special research grant, making the total value of the award approximately $75,000. Students are selected based on outstanding academic achievement, proven talent in research and outstanding personal qualities.
Myers, of Brentwood, Tennessee, is studying biological sciences with a microbiology concentration and neuroscience with a minor in public health and will graduate this spring. With the Churchill Scholarship, he will pursue a Master of Philosophy degree in biological sciences as he works toward a career as a physician-scientist.
“I am excited to see how this scholarship will broaden my horizons as I participate in STEM research abroad while fostering connections with my cohort,” said Myers. “My experiences as a student at the University of Tennessee have left me feeling ready for what comes next, and I am eternally grateful for the world-class instruction and research opportunities I have received while on campus.”
At UT, Myers is part of the Haslam Leadership Scholars and Leadership Knoxville Scholars programs and a senior ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. He is also a member of the Student Alumni Associates and the Senior Impact Council and an ex-officio member of the Faculty Senate Research Council. Myers serves as editor-in-chief of Pursuit, the university’s peer-reviewed undergraduate research journal.
Last year Myers represented UT in the Amgen Scholars Program, where he conducted hands-on biomedical research and took part in seminars and networking events. In 2023, he was awarded the Goldwater Scholarship, the most prestigious undergraduate STEM scholarship in the United States.
“We are so excited for Tyler,” said Meredith Malburne-Wade, director of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. “He is an exceptional scholar, researcher and servant leader who is poised to make a real difference in his community and beyond. He embodies what it means to be a Volunteer, and we could not be more delighted that he is — and will forever be — UT’s first Churchill Scholarship recipient.”
Established under the direction of Sir Winston Churchill in 1959, the Churchill Scholarship aims to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom by advancing science and technology. UT’s Undergraduate Research and Fellowships supports students in their pursuit of research and nationally competitive fellowships like the Churchill Scholarship by funding undergraduate research and offering relevant career development workshops. Its staff advises students as they identify and pursue research and scholarship opportunities while fostering strong mentoring relationships between students and faculty.
“Nominating students for prestigious awards such as the Churchill Scholarship reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to fostering a dynamic academic community,” said Malburne-Wade.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Maggie Palmer (865-974-3993, mpalme19@utk.edu)