ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Naval Academy Midshipmen First Class (senior) Katharine Folz of West Paris has been selected as this year’s Gates Cambridge Scholar. The scholarship will enable her to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge in England.
The scholarship, created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in October 2000, chooses its recipients on “their ability to make a significant contribution to their discipline, which creates a network of future leaders from around the world, bringing new vision and commitment to improving the life circumstances of citizens in their respective countries.”
“I had the pleasure of having Ms. Folz in two classes. I was impressed by her intellectual ability and with her attitude. She has all the tools needed to be successful in life. She is a unique individual with a bright future,” Professor Judith Harrison said.
Folz was among 29 American scholars to be selected for the scholarship. The recipients will begin their studies in October. Folz exhibits strong knowledge of her chemistry major through her ability to conduct extensive research, which she hopes to continue at Cambridge.
“I like teaching people … chemistry is the thing I’m good at, and I believe it’s important to share whatever gifts you have with other people,” Folz said. “If anyone had told me plebe year that I would be going to Cambridge, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
“I have had the opportunity to be Ms. Folz’s academic advisor during her time at the academy, and have always been impressed by her drive to consistently choose the more difficult path in order to bring her closer to her goal of pursuing graduate studies,” said Craig Whitaker, chemistry professor.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is awarded to students internationally who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, strong leadership skills and high GRE scores.
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