Ten ASU students, alumni nominated for Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships
The Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarships Advisement (ONSA) has announced 10 Arizona State University students and alumni have been nominated for the Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships, a record for the university.
Together, these two awards are among the most coveted graduate fellowships in the world, each with approximately 1,000 applicants per year and a selection rate below four percent.
The Marshall Scholarship provides full support for two years of graduate study at any university in the United Kingdom, while the Rhodes Scholarship provides full funding for two years of post-graduate study at Oxford University. Notable Marshall Scholars include Supreme Court Justices Stephen Breyer and Neil Gorsuch, MacArthur Fellowship winning-psychologist Angela Duckworth, and Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn. Notable American Rhodes Scholars include President Bill Clinton, MSNBC political commentator Rachel Maddow, former National Security Advisor Susan Rice, current Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and recently deceased Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Kris Kristofferson.
The ASU nominees include graduating seniors Ritisha Das, James “Chase” DiBona, Hailey Nelson, Blake Su, and Joshua Tint, and recent ASU graduates Isabel Huerta, Tatijana Jovanovic, Corinn Olson, Danielle Pais, and Lauren Paxton. All ten students have or will graduate from Barrett, the Honors College.
“This cohort of nominees is a remarkable group of future leaders,” said Kyle Mox, Associate Dean for National Scholarships. “They represent the best of what ASU has to offer.”
As the director of ONSA, Mox serves as the designated ASU liaison for the Marshall and Rhodes scholarship programs and oversees the campus nomination process for the awards.
Each program provides similar, significant benefits. In addition to full financial support for travel, tuition, and living expenses, the Marshall and Rhodes both provide leadership development and cross-cultural engagement opportunities, along with the advantage of a world-class peer network.
The programs differ in terms of mission, however. Named in honor of the Marshall Plan, the Marshall Scholarship seeks to maintain the “special relationship” between the United States and the UK, and therefore closely evaluates the potential of each candidate to be an effective ambassador. The Marshall Scholarship program also encourages its recipients to engage deeply with British culture and society during their history.
The Rhodes Scholarship, named for Cecil Rhodes, has a more global focus. In addition to the 32 American students, it also invites 78 other Scholars from around the world to the cohort, including students from several African countries, the Caribbean, Germany, China, and Australia, among others. The hope is that this international cohort will, over their careers, collaborate to address global issues.
To apply for either award, candidates must be nominated by their undergraduate institutions. At ASU, nominations are determined by a select faculty committee that considers the applicants’ academic records, leadership and service activities, previous awards and honors, and letters of recommendation.
“Nominees for these fellowships are among the most academically accomplished students at ASU,” Mox said. “But that alone isn’t enough – strong candidates must also demonstrate tremendous leadership potential and commitment to service of others, not to mention a clear sense of purpose and a strong desire to address major societal issues.”
The applications for the Marshall and Rhodes scholarships require research and study proposals, along with a well-developed personal statement that summarizes the applicant’s background, academic and professional achievements, core values, and future goals. The applications also require several letters of recommendation.
The application process begins each spring, when potential nominees must officially submit an “intent to apply.” Between April and September, applicants engage in pre-writing and brainstorming activities, craft outlines, and compose multiple drafts of the application essays, all under the guidance of ONSA advisors and their own faculty mentors.
“Many candidates say that the process is like taking on an extra class,” Mox said. “And while the work can be challenging, most applicants also come to appreciate the opportunity to clearly define who they hope to become and what they hope to achieve in the future.”
Once the students are officially nominated, their applications are forwarded to the national selection committees for each fellowship. If selected as finalists, the nominees will be invited to interviews by regional selection panels in mid-November. The Marshall Scholarship selects approximately 40 Scholars per year, while the Rhodes Scholarship selects 32 American recipients per year, two per district.
The tremendous labor involved has paid off in recent years for ASU. Over the past 10 years, five ASU graduates have been awarded Marshall Scholarships and three have been awarded Rhodes Scholarships. In total, 20 ASU graduates have won Marshall Scholarships since the program’s inception in 1954, while eight have received the Rhodes Scholarship.
About the nominees
Senior Ritisha Das, from Mesa, Ariz., is pursuing dual bachelor of science degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics and will graduate from ASU in December 2024. A graduate of Gilbert Classical Academy and a Flinn Scholar, Ritisha is applying for both the Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships to further her studies in aerospace engineering and space policy. A Brooke Owens Fellow, Ritisha’s passion for combining aerospace technology with humanitarian applications is evident through her projects focused on GPS solutions for conflict zones and medical implant innovations. Additionally, she has been an active leader in ASU’s Society of Women Engineers and served as a mentor in Model United Nations (MUN), where she helped students develop their diplomatic and problem-solving skills. She aspires to use her technical expertise to bridge the space technology gap between developed and developing nations, and to one day become an astronaut.
James "Chase" DiBona, a native of Seattle, Wash., will graduate in May 2025 with bachelor’s degrees in justice studies and civic and economic thought and leadership. A graduate of Ballard High School, Chase is applying for the Marshall Scholarship to further his studies in human rights and international politics. While at ASU, he has excelled in competitive debate, including winning first place in the 2022 Regents' Cup Oxford Debate. Chase's passion for social justice and human rights advocacy is evident through his work with grassroots organizations and his legal internship experience, where he successfully authored deviation requests resulting in case dismissals. His goal is to contribute to global human rights law, with a particular focus on climate justice.
Hailing from San Diego, California, Isabel Huerta graduated summa cum laude in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in global health. A graduate of Eastlake High School, Isabel is applying for both the Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships to further her studies in global health and public policy. While at ASU, she demonstrated a strong commitment to improving health outcomes for underserved populations, particularly Latinx communities. Isabel's honors thesis focused on health literacy among Latinx adults with Type 2 diabetes in Arizona, and her work as a medical interpreter and volunteer for dementia patients highlights her dedication to providing compassionate care. She aspires to combine her background in healthcare with leadership roles in global health organizations, ultimately working to break down barriers to healthcare access.
Upon her graduation in May, 2024, anthropology major Tatijana Jovanović was awarded both the Outstanding Undergraduate Award in social sciences from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Dean's Medal for the School of Human Evolution and Social Change. A graduate of Paradise Valley High School, Tatijana is applying for the Marshall Scholarship to pursue advanced studies in archaeology, with a focus on Egyptology and the decolonization of archaeological practices. While at ASU, she conducted independent research on ancient Egyptian funerary figurines, leading to presentations at international Egyptology conferences, and as an officer for the Undergraduate Anthropology Association at ASU, she led discussions on the “decolonization” of the field of archaeology. Outside of her studies, she has volunteered hundreds of hours with the Welcome to America Project, a non-profit that provides support for newly arrived refugees. At University College London, she plans to deepen her expertise in archaeological science and contribute to ongoing debates about the repatriation of cultural objects and later pursue a doctoral degree in archaeology.
Phoenix native Hailey Nelson will graduate in May 2025 with degrees in earth and space exploration (astrophysics), chemistry, and French. A graduate of Desert Vista High School, Hailey is applying for both the Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships to further her studies in astrophysics and particle physics. Her research interests focus on dark matter, particle physics, and the Standard Model, and she aspires to work with NASA and the European Space Agency. As a NASA Space Grant recipient, Hailey has conducted advanced research on molecular fragmentation in space-like conditions, and her honors thesis involves developing STEM outreach curricula for underserved communities. Beyond her academic work, she has served as a science communicator at the Arizona Science Center and is currently the Arts and Exhibits Director for NASA's Psyche Mission, where she leads public outreach efforts. Hailey’s passion for science education and public engagement is complemented by her goal of becoming a NASA astronaut.
Corinn Olson, from Marana, Ariz., graduated summa cum laude from ASU in May 2024 as a double-major in psychology and anthropology. A graduate of Mountainview High School, Corinn is applying for both the Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships to study conflict transformation and the role of storytelling in peace building. As an undergraduate fellow with the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict, Corinn explored the intersection of conspiracy theories and spirituality, while her honors thesis examines the relationship between language and mental health stigma. Passionate about community service, Corinn has also held leadership roles with Camp Kesem, a nonprofit organization supporting children of cancer patients, and has interned with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Corinn aspires to work in conflict mediation, using storytelling to foster empathy and reduce ideological violence in global communities.
A 2022 graduate of ASU, Scottsdale native Danielle Pais received dual degrees in biological sciences (neurobiology, behavior, and physiology) and French, along with a minor in history. A graduate of BASIS Scottsdale, Danielle is applying for both the Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships to further her studies in neuroscience and public health. She is particularly focused on the intersection of mental health and disability advocacy; her Barrett honors thesis explored accessibility in STEM for students with disabilities. After graduating from ASU, she pursued a master’s degree in Sociology at Ghent University in Belgium, where she contributed to the BENZOCARE project, studying mental health care and addiction. Danielle aspires to become a physician-scientist, specializing in population neuroscience, and is dedicated to addressing global health disparities through her research and advocacy.
Lauren Paxton, a native of Phoenix, graduated summa cum laude in May 2022 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in economics. A graduate of Pinnacle High School and a Flinn Scholar, Lauren is applying for the Marshall Scholarship to pursue an MSc in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology at King’s College London. Since graduation, she has worked as an investigator for the Orleans Public Defenders office, where she collaborates with attorneys and social workers on life-without-parole and capital felony cases. Her academic background includes conducting research on the intergenerational transmission of substance use as a research assistant in the Adult and Family Development Project, resulting in multiple co-authored publications and presentations. Lauren aims to further her research on externalizing disorders and the intersection of law and psychology, with a particular focus on mental illness and criminal defense. She is dedicated to advocating for systemic change in the treatment of individuals with mental health issues in the criminal justice system.
Chandler, Ariz. native Blake Su is pursuing dual bachelor's degrees in political science and biological sciences, as well as accelerated master's degree in biology, which he will complete in May 2025. A graduate of Arizona College Preparatory, Blake is applying for both the Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships to study public health and translational medicine. A 2024 Truman Scholarship finalist, Blake has demonstrated a deep commitment to healthcare equity, particularly for marginalized communities. His research at ASU’s Biodesign Institute focused on mitigating aflatoxin contamination in Guatemalan maize, which earned him co-authorship in a peer-reviewed journal. A member of the student advisory board for the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics, Blake aspires to pursue healthcare reform in his career, so as to better serve patients with chronic conditions. He plans to leverage his expertise in science, policy, and diplomacy to address global healthcare challenges, with the ultimate goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
Joshua Tint, from Tucson, Ariz., will complete joint bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science in May 2025. A graduate of Catalina Foothills High School and a Flinn Scholar, Joshua is applying for the Marshall Scholarship to further his research in computational linguistics and aims to study how large language models, such as ChatGPT, interpret and express bias, particularly in queer-associated language. His Barrett honors thesis explores how AI systems respond to heteronormative versus gender-inclusive language, reflecting his dedication to addressing the ethical implications of modern technologies. As an accomplished software engineer, Joshua has held research and internship roles at companies like Amazon and Marcus Engineering, and in 2022, he was one of three winners of the Apple Swift Student Challenge, for his app “Discover Me,” that enables people who are questioning their gender identity to try different pronouns. He aspires to bridge the gap between technology and social justice by leveraging his expertise in computational linguistics to advance equity and inclusion in AI-driven systems.
In the 2023 competition cycle, nominees Katie Pascavis and Nathaniel Ross received the Marshall and the Rhodes, respectively, marking ASU as one of only three public universities in the United States to produce a winner of both fellowships in that cycle. Other recent Marshall Scholars include Alexander Sojourney (2021), Frank Smith III (2018), and Erin Schulte (2017). Other recent ASU Rhodes Scholars include Shantel Marekera (2019) and Ngoni Mugwisi (2017).
The next application cycles for both the Marshall and Rhodes scholarships will open in March, 2025. For details on the ASU nomination process, go to https://onsa.asu.edu/apply.