As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, we are filled with tremendous pride and excitement to welcome our 20th cohort of Scholars.
This year marks not only two decades of fostering global partnerships and academic excellence but also the arrival of our 20th cohort of McDonnell Scholars. We are thrilled to introduce 18 extraordinary individuals who are joining us for the 2025-26 academic year. Each of these new Scholars brings unique perspectives, talents, and a shared commitment to excellence, which will undoubtedly enrich our vibrant community.
With the addition of these Scholars, the Academy family grows to a dynamic network of 93 bright minds on WashU’s campus. This distinguished group, hailing from different backgrounds and fields of study, exemplifies our unwavering mission: to cultivate an inclusive global network across disciplines and cultures. Representing 13 distinct WashU programs, 13 international universities, and the first-ever Scholars from Mozambique, New Zealand, Serbia, and Ukraine, this cohort is a testament to our enduring commitment to cultural richness and collaboration.
These new Scholars not only excel in their academic endeavors across six WashU schools but also demonstrate a visionary approach to building connections across cultures and disciplines. Their varied experiences and areas of expertise promise to ignite innovative collaborations, further enhancing the Academy’s proud tradition of fostering groundbreaking insights and solutions.
As we celebrate two decades of excellence and forge ahead into the future, we eagerly anticipate the fresh ideas and perspectives that the 2025 cohort will contribute. The collective accomplishments that lie ahead, borne from their interdisciplinary approaches and global outlooks, are poised to propel the Academy to new heights.
A Warm Welcome to the New Scholars
To the new Scholars of the 2025 cohort, welcome to the McDonnell Academy. On this momentous occasion, we are excited to witness the achievements that your presence will inspire within our community and beyond. Your journey with us marks the beginning of numerous possibilities, and together, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. Here’s to another 20 years of groundbreaking progress and a truly global impact.
Meet our 2025 Cohort
Gusaimas M. H. H. Akbar
McKelvey School of Engineering: Materials Science and Engineering PhD
University of Indonesia
Alexandra Avelino Yanayaco
Olin Business School: Business Administration MBA
Global Scholars: Pontificia University Catolica-Peru
Dicle Gezer
McKelvey School of Engineering: Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering PhD
Middle East Technical University
Ayanda Huate
Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences: Biology and Biomedical Sciences PhD
Global Scholars: Westminister College
Shinghei David Mok
Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences: Biology & Biomedical Sciences PhD
K.S. and Feili Lo Fellow
University of Hong Kong
