Image of Margaret Cromer and Michael Pashkevich
Current Gates Scholars Margaret Cromer and Michael Pashkevich

New Gates Scholars announced

Jesus College looks forward to welcoming four new Gates Scholars to study in Cambridge this October, part of the newly announced 2018 cohort of 92 scholars heading to Cambridge from around the world.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is the University of Cambridge's most prestigious scholarship programme for international postgraduate students.

Funded through a $210 million donation by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, the largest ever single donation to a UK university, around 90 scholars are selected each year from a pool of the most academically outstanding applicants to the University.

The Scholarship also places an emphasis on selecting those with a proven interest in improving the lives of others by helping address the numerous challenges we face locally, regionally and globally. We are delighted to have the following Scholars set to join our College community:

  • Dillon Muhly-Alexander from the United States, will be studying for a MPhil in Development Studies
  • Marina Perkins from the United States, who will study for a PhD in French
  • Julia Schwarz from Germany, studying for a PhD in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics
  • Garrett Rubin from the United States, who will study for a PhD in Education

Two of our current Gates Scholars are Michael Pashkevich, studying for a PhD in Zoology and Margaret Comer, current President of the Gates Cambridge Scholars' Council, studying for a PhD in Archaeology (Heritage Studies). We asked them for an insight into life as a Gates Scholar at Jesus and the University of Cambridge.

Michael

Studying at Jesus College

I was very pleased upon being assigned to Jesus College. I thought the location was fantastic and I was particularly drawn to the College's emphasis on open, natural spaces. Upon arriving, I was equally impressed by Jesus and the support I have received here.

Studying in Cambridge

I'm currently on fieldwork in Sumatra, Indonesia, and not a day goes by where I am not astounded by the opportunity I have to study my specific branch of zoology (spider ecology) in an applied agricultural context. My best moment, therefore, is when I'm sampling spiders in Sumatra.

Advice for incoming Gates Scholars

Get involved in the Gates community and, particularly, feel free to reach out to those of us who are in Jesus College! We're a friendly bunch, and are most always up for a good time in Cambridge. Welcome to the Gates community and, also, Jesus College! I look forward to meeting you at Orientation.

Advice for potential Gates Scholarship applicants

Make sure to convey your passions not just for your research, but also for other aspects of your life. Being part of the Gates community is more than just being an academic. Let the review committee see you as a whole person.

Margaret

Studying at Jesus College

I had heard that Jesus was 'good for archaeologists,' and I was definitely intrigued by the name! When I got here, I was overwhelmed by how beautiful it is, and how the historic convent buildings are still integral to the College. 

Last April, I co-organized a conference at Jesus on heritage and climate change with Eva Meharry and Rebecca Haboucha, also Archaeology PhD students at Jesus. The talks and breakout sessions were fascinating, and Jesus looked its best in the springtime sun. It was a perfect combination of new, innovative scholarship and the best of traditional collegiate life. 

Studying in Cambridge

I really love all of the interdisciplinary, collaborative work and conversation that's always happening - no matter what you're working on, you can find someone to talk to about it. 

Advice for incoming Gates Scholars

It's okay to be confused and unsure about what you're doing - everyone has moments when they question their research, their career choices, the meaning of life, etc. If you're here, you deserve to be here, and no one has it all figured out all of the time.

Advice for potential Gates Scholarship applicants

The biographies of scholars and news articles about their accomplishments can seem really intimidating, but at the end of the day, we're all just people. If you feel like applying, you should!