MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University student Amelia Ferreira has been named a recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s Gilman-McCain Scholarship, marking the third time an MTSU student has earned the competitive award for studying abroad. 

An Honors Buchanan Fellow majoring in environmental science from Clarksville, Ferreira will study abroad in Switzerland and Northern Italy and continues a unique family legacy at MTSU, following her sister Hannah, who received the scholarship last year.

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship, administered by the U.S. Department of State, provides $5,000 awards to undergraduate children and spouses of active or activated U.S. military personnel to support credit-bearing study or internship experiences abroad. The highly competitive program is designed to expand access to international education for military-connected students who receive federal financial aid. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Amelia continue a family legacy of excellence and global engagement at MTSU,” said Todd Moore, professor and chair of MTSU’s Geosciences Department. “As a military-connected student, her achievement highlights the importance of creating pathways that make transformative experiences like study abroad accessible to all students. 

“Her success reflects not only her hard work and passion for environmental science and sustainability, but also the collaborative support of faculty and advisors who encourage students to take advantage of opportunities and to think beyond borders.”

During her study abroad, Ferreira will explore sustainability in urban environments. She hopes this experience will enrich her academic path in environmental science.

“I wasn’t very optimistic that I would get it, so it was a surprise. Thrilled!” said Ferreira, who first learned about the scholarship through several mentors on campus. 

“I was recommended the scholarship by a few different people, including my geology teacher and the organizer of the geosciences study abroad trip, Mark Abolins, and my advisor, Laura Clippard.”

“Learning that Amelia received this award made my day!” said Abolins. “I encourage all MTSU students to consider education abroad and to apply for scholarships. However, I am especially excited when students like Amelia apply because she contributes during class and performs so well academically. It will be wonderful to travel through Switzerland and Italy with her and the other students this summer.”

Following in sister’s footsteps

Ferreira said her sister Hannah’s experience also played a role in her decision to apply. 

“It definitely encouraged me to try out for the Gilman myself,” she said. “I’ve kind of followed the same academic trajectory as her without even meaning to. So, it seems natural that we would then both apply for the same study abroad funds.”

Although Hannah offered to proofread her application, Amelia admits she didn’t take her up on it. “To be honest, I am nervous sharing my work at the best of times. I was too embarrassed! But I did get a lot of helpful advice from Laura Clippard during the application process.”

Ferreira’s study abroad program focuses on urban sustainability, a topic closely aligned with her environmental science studies. But the academic draw wasn’t the only factor.

“I was interested in the program’s focus on the topic of sustainability in cities like Zurich, Switzerland,” she said. “On a less academic level, I am an outdoor person who was also just excited about the prospect of hiking in the Alps and seeing some cool birds. I can’t think of a more stunning place to visit.”

Ferreira hopes other MTSU students, especially those connected to the military, will consider studying abroad.

“I would advise MTSU students not to hesitate to reach out to a professor or advisor about information,” she said. “The process of applying for a study abroad experience is not as daunting as it seemed to me initially.”

She also wants students to know that financial barriers aren’t always as fixed as they seem. “The worst thing you can do is not even try to apply for financial aid; you might be surprised! My own experience would not have been feasible without aid.”

As she prepares for her time abroad, Ferreira feels a mix of nerves and excitement. 

“I am, of course, nervous about traveling overseas, but I couldn’t be more excited for the experience overall!” she said. She’s especially looking forward to the University of Zurich Natural History Museum, hiking in the Swiss Alps, and “eating lots of delicious food!”

Her journey will not only deepen her academic experience but also extend a family legacy of global learning at MTSU.

— Robin E. Lee (robin.e.lee@mtsu.edu)