The Harry S. Truman
Foundation has named Purdue University junior Mikaela Meyer, Chesterton High
School Class of 2014, a 2017 Truman Scholar. Meyer is the first Purdue
student to be awarded this highly competitive federal scholarship. Meyer is
studying mathematical statistics with a minor in political science. She is
also an active member of the Purdue Honors College, where she serves as an
Honors College Mentor to incoming freshman.
Outside of the
classroom, Mikaela has engaged in multiple research projects, including a
study that uses Bayesian methodologies to determine what factor is causing
Lake Chad’s volume to fluctuate greatly. Additionally, she is an
Undergraduate Fellow at the Purdue Policy Research Institute where she has
had the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary policy research about
topics ranging from domestic drone policy to proposing a policy indicator
for net-zero energy cities. Her other activities include being a member of
Purdue's debate team and being the president of Purdue College Democrats. In
debate, Mikaela was recently awarded “Top Speaker” for the Indiana State
Parliamentary Debate tournament. Through College Democrats, Mikaela has
hosted numerous voter registration drive events on campus as well as debates
between local candidates.
After graduation,
Meyer hopes to work for the federal government, using statistics to inform
public policy. She would like to assist in adapting regulations to better
fit the evolving needs of the American people.
The Truman
Foundation was created as the living memorial to President Truman and the
Presidential Memorial to Public Service. The Foundation’s mission is
premised on the belief that a better future relies on attracting to public
service the commitment and sound judgment of bright, outstanding Americans.
The 62 new Truman
Scholars, mostly college juniors, were selected from among 768 candidates
nominated by 315 colleges and universities. They were chosen by sixteen
independent selection panels based on academic success and leadership
accomplishments, as well as their likelihood of becoming public service
leaders.
Each new Truman
Scholar receives up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive
priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some premier graduate
institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling,
and special internship opportunities within the federal government.