University of Missouri senior Jenny Park thought she was attending a meeting with the foundation that is funding her research project. Instead, she walked into a conference room jam-packed with her mentors, advisors, teachers, parents and University of Missouri President Mun Choi.

“You are this year’s Mark Twain Fellow!” Choi said. “Congratulations! All of these individuals are here to congratulate you and celebrate your achievements.”

In its 11th year, the Mark Twain Fellowship is awarded annually to one senior or recent graduate who applies for an international, post-baccalaureate fellowship through MU’s Office of Global and National Fellowships. In addition to a desire to pursue graduate study outside North America, recipients demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership, service and character. The highly competitive, MU-sponsored award comes with a $50,000 scholarship.

Park, an Honors student who grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, and is a double major in biological sciences and psychology, plans to use the award money to participate in a graduate neuroscience program in England.

“I am so grateful for all my mentors, teachers and everyone who has lifted me up and supported my dreams for the future,” Park said. “This investment is not just in my individual success, but also in my vision for a better world that I can bring to my community, in Missouri and throughout the United States.”