Scholarships help UMW senior find balance.
Matt Smith ’21 is the proud recipient of three UMW scholarships: The Biology Departmental Scholarship, Celtic Art Scholarship, and the Stanley A. Owens Scholarship.
He also is a beekeeper and is currently conducting research with the biology department on pollinator foraging patterns in the Fredericksburg area. The purpose of his research is to see if human-designed landscapes are adequate replacements for natural landscapes or pollinator forage. Matt says this is important because many native pollinators have suffered population declines within the last two decades due to forage and habitat loss.
In addition to this scientific research, Matt maintains a 3.9 GPA while holding leadership roles in several clubs, including the Ecology Club, Boxing Club, and the UMW Eagle Bagpipe Band. Matt especially enjoys the creative outlet from participating in the Eagle Bagpipe Band with Professor Lauren McMillan. ”
“Bagpipes have provided a unique opportunity for me to grow outside of the academic sphere at UMW,” says Matt.
Privately funded UMW scholarships help make college more affordable and – together – they allow Matt the time to pursue his scientific and creative interests. Matt’s post-graduation plans include finding a job in geospatial analysis or in field biology, and working in the field for a few years before going to graduate school.
Written by Darlene Mugisha ’21
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