The McDonnell International Scholars Academy supports Scholars’ opportunity to attend conferences and travel beyond the St. Louis region, as valuable opportunities for leadership development, community building, and expanding professional networks. Sponsored conference and recruitment travel includes guidance on how Scholars represent and promote WashU and the McDonnell Academy. As global representatives of the Academy, Scholars bring a unique perspective—fully invested in its mission and eager to elevate its visibility and impact wherever their journeys take them.
INDIA Delhi
Vipul Garg: Alumni and Partner Connections
The two-day IIT Alumni Networking Event, attended by faculty and students from IIT Delhi, Bombay, Kanpur, and Roorkee, along with my talk at IIT Delhi were instrumental in helping me establish valuable connections across various disciplines and professions, including administration, industry, entrepreneurship, and academia. These interactions allowed me to expand my professional network significantly and gain diverse perspectives on leadership and research.
During my talk at IIT Delhi, I advised students on the PhD application process and emphasized how programs like the WashU Summer Internship can help them explore research careers and strengthen their academic profiles. I also highlighted the unique value of the McDonnell Academy Fellowship, which blends world-class research with professional development to prepare scholars for impactful careers. By sharing my own experience, I helped raise awareness of WashU and the McDonnell Academy, while also laying the groundwork for potential future collaborations in interdisciplinary research.
ITALY Milan & GREATER CHINA Taipei
Kuan Yuan-Hung: Inclusivity Fosters Future Collaborations
One of my greatest successes during my trip was the opportunity to present my research at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) conference in Milan, Italy, where I engaged in meaningful discussions with esteemed researchers, professors, and students. The positive reception of my work affirmed its impact and opened the door to potential collaborations for future advancement. I used this opportunity to promote the McDonnell Academy, contributing to the strengthening of WashU’s global presence and outreach by encouraging students to consider opportunities within the program. Throughout this journey, I applied my leadership skills by fostering collaborative and inclusive dialogues in meetings with professors and students, effectively communicating my research, and identifying shared goals for future collaborations.
During my visit to National Taiwann University (NTU) in Taipei, Taiwan, I engaged with faculty and students in productive, research-oriented conversations. Several promising collaborations and opportunities have emerged from this experience. Discussions with core NTU faculty highlighted the potential for joint projects in control systems and machine learning applications, which we are exploring further. These connections also revealed opportunities for student exchange programs and collaborative workshops, strengthening the academic ties between NTU and WashU.
GREATER CHINA Beijing & Taipei
Yin-Yuan Huang: Expanding Global Reach
The primary purpose of my trip was to strengthen relationships with alumni, raise awareness of WashU’s McDonnell Academy at universities in Beijing and Taiwan, and foster collaborative ties with key faculty and students. The visit significantly contributed to building new connections—especially with prospective PhD students from Tsinghua University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung, and National Taiwan University—and generated strong interest, indicating substantial potential for future recruitment and collaboration. It also enhanced the visibility of WashU and the McDonnell Academy, particularly in the context of interdisciplinary research and global academic opportunities.
Through meetings and discussions with faculty and researchers, I was able to elevate the profile of WashU by highlighting the unique support systems offered by the McDonnell Academy. These meaningful exchanges sparked genuine interest and laid the foundation for potential collaborations—particularly in tissue engineering, biomedical research, and interdisciplinary studies—where shared goals and complementary strengths were identified.
MEXICO Monterrey
Francisco Tijerina: Connections Provide Opportunities
During this trip I was able to connect with two Tec de Monterrey alumni who I know may have interest in applying to graduate programs at WashU. The first graduated from an International Relations program and who currently is working as a high-school professor. We talked about different programs she could consider given her interests in political science, social work, and global studies. The second is currently finishing a Master of Sciences in Analytics at Georgia Institute of Technology, who is interested in exploring future paths regarding data science. I met both of them through a social program where we worked with marginalized communities and more specifically kids. This leads me to believe they would be strong candidates now only because of their professional achievements, but also because of their worldviews and strong social commitment.
USA Illinois & California
Evanston, Illinois Gabriel Ridout: Conference Attendance Builds Connections
As I prepared for the Second International Trans Studies (SITS) Conference, hosted in Evanston, Illinois, I set a clear goal: to increase the visibility of WashU and the McDonnell Academy while building meaningful academic connections. Throughout the event, I engaged with scholars at various stages of their careers—many of whom are considering or actively applying to postgraduate programs. One particularly memorable conversation was with a recent graduate planning to pursue a master’s degree in education after gaining experience in the private sector. I encouraged them to keep WashU in mind, and they expressed interest in staying in touch. After sharing a few dozen business cards and having thoughtful conversations, I’m optimistic that my presence reflected the vibrancy and inclusivity of the McDonnell Academy community.
Presenting my paper at the conference sparked valuable dialogue with audience members whose feedback may shape future drafts. I also connected with scholars whose work I admire and intend to continue those conversations as I expand my global network. One scholar expressed interest in co-writing an article, a collaboration I look forward to exploring in the coming months. A particularly exciting development was the announcement of the International Transgender Studies Association (ITSA), a new organization emerging from the SITS Conference. I’m hopeful it will offer another avenue to stay engaged, build community, and contribute to the field.
Los Angeles, California
Roy Ejiakuekwu: Shared Journey Fosters Network
Throughout the Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) conference, I strategically approached networking opportunities by engaging with professionals across various sectors, particularly during the case interview sessions and career expo events. By actively sharing my experiences as a McDonnell Scholar at Washington University in St. Louis, I helped raise awareness of the program’s unique commitment to developing global leaders who bring diverse perspectives to complex challenges. During interactions with industry leaders from companies like McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Google, and FedEx, I highlighted how the McDonnell Academy’s interdisciplinary approach has enhanced my ability to analyze global business challenges through multiple lenses. These conversations led to several promising opportunities, including potential mentorship connections with senior consultants and invitations to participate in company-specific recruiting events. The conference’s focus on LGBTQ+ leadership in business provided an excellent platform to showcase how WashU and the McDonnell Academy are at the forefront of fostering inclusive leadership development. By sharing my personal journey as an international scholar in the program, I demonstrated how the Academy’s support enables scholars to authentically engage with global challenges while maintaining their unique identities. Overall, this conference allowed me to showcase the global leadership skills the McDonnell Academy has continually instilled in me, raise awareness of our exceptional academy, and create an extensive professional network which might be extremely beneficial for future scholars looking to explore global leadership and its associated challenges.