COI: Why did you apply for the scholarship? What made you think you were a match for it?

Mary: I am a PhD candidate in the UNT Interdisciplinary Information Science program with a concentration in Linguistics. I applied for the John P. Medders scholarship to support myself while pursuing my doctoral degree. I felt I was suited for this scholarship because I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my time in the program, publish regularly, and have been a consistent leader in my courses.

COI: How has this scholarship helped you reach your goals?

Mary: The support from the John P. Medders scholarship has supplemented the salary I earned as a Ph.D. student so that I could afford rent, groceries, and utilities. 

COI: Give us one or two highlights about what you have accomplished so far as a student in the program 

Mary: In the Fall 2021 semester, I was able to pass my qualifying exam and become a doctoral candidate. I appreciate the support this scholarship has given me to move forward with my dissertation research!