Two 2017 Gilman Scholars Head to Madagascar for Summer Study

Andrea Persaud, ' 18

Michelle Olakkengil, '17 

Michelle Olakkengil ’17 and Andrea Persaud ’18 were awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to participate in the faculty-led study abroad program in Madagascar this summer.  Awarded through the   United States Department of State, the Gilman Scholarship aims to increase the diversity of the population of American students studying abroad and of their chosen destinations.  Michelle, a senior studying Sociology and Biology, will conduct a needs assessment of the sexual and reproductive resources for Malagasy Women in Ranomafana, Madagascar.  Andrea, a junior majoring in Ecosystems and Human Impact, will explore the connection between human health and the environment.   In addition to their research, both women will study Malagasy language and culture and ecosystems of Madagascar alongside fourteen study abroad students.  For information on all four Gilman scholars, see the full article here.