University of Birmingham senior Maggie Nelson has become Auburn University's first recipient of the prestigious Churchill Scholarship. This fall, Nelson will be attending Churchill College at the University of Cambridge to pursue a master's degree in materials science and metallurgy.

Nelson currently sits squarely at the top of the list of Auburn's most prestigious scholars. During her time at Auburn, she received her two Astronaut Scholar Awards, the Deutsche Börse DAAD RISE Award, the Barry M. Goldwater Award, and now the Churchill Scholarship.

No other faculty member in Auburn University's history has won as many prestigious scholarships as Nelson.

“It feels a little overwhelming, but I am very honored and grateful. I would like to thank everyone who supported me throughout my undergraduate career at Auburn,” she said.

Nelson is quick to point out that even though he appears to have accomplished a lot, he has failed just as much.

“Winning these awards shows that I have developed a tolerance for failure, but I am always striving,” she said.

This hard-working attitude reflects Nelson's personality well.

“Maggie is the embodiment of the Auburn Creed, which specifically says, 'I believe in work, hard work.' Her performance in the classroom was truly outstanding, but we believe in “I think this is where McGee really shines,” said Brian Thurlow, dean of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Auburn's Samuel Zinn School of Engineering. Ta.

While in Cambridge, Nelson will research ways to improve the efficiency of solar cells for indoor lighting. She hopes to apply this knowledge to Earth- and space-based solutions for sustainable energy production.

Nelson, a student in the Honors College, will graduate this spring with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and minors in materials engineering, philosophy and sustainability studies from the Jinn Institute of Technology and the College of Arts and Sciences, respectively.

The Winston Churchill Scholarship is an award given each year to just 16 students nationwide studying at Churchill College, Cambridge. This scholarship is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the country.

Established at the behest of Sir Winston Churchill as part of the establishment of Churchill University, the Churchill Scholarships are part of his commitment to advancing science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic and deepening the US-UK partnership to ensure future prosperity and security. Realize your vision. .