Madeline McCloud

Madeline McCloud has earned a Boren Scholarship to study Mandarin in Taiwan at the National Cheng Kung University in Tainan.

Boren Scholarships, sponsored by the US National Security Education Program (NSEP), provides undergraduate and graduate students in all fields of study with funding for up to one year of immersive study abroad in languages and regions of interest to U.S. national security.

“This award is a sign to me that although there are many tribulations, learning a second language is truly attainable. There is nothing I want more than to truly understand Mandarin and feel connected with more of the world, and this award gives me the opportunity to achieve that."

Collegiate Experience

• Areas of Study:

  • Expects to graduate in May 2022 with degrees in chemistry and neuroscience

  Additional Awards:

  • Grawemeyer scholarship and recipient of the CLS Mandarin award

Inspired By

I had the help of UofL’s fantastic Chinese department, especially my fabulous teacher Ming Wu. I would not have been able to invest in the Chinese language and culture without her advice and teachings. I also thank my chemistry research team under Michael Nantz, who have encouraged me every step of the way to not only study Mandarin but explore new academic possibilities. Lastly, I want to thank Bethany Smith and Charlie Leonard, who helped considerably during the application process and have given me amazing advice and support for my entire UofL career. Thank you!

Hometown Information

• Hometown:

  Worthington, KY

• High school:

  Craft Academy at MSU in Morehead, KY (2017)

• Parents:

  Brian and Tonja McCloud of Worthington, KY