From University of Chicago Athletics

University of Chicago senior Hope Bretscher was recently awarded the prestigious Marshall Scholarship, which gives American students the opportunity to complete graduate work at institutions in the United Kingdom.

Bretscher, a physics major, competes as a runner for the UChicago women's cross country and track & field teams during the year. She will use her Marshall Scholarship to spend one year at the University of Edinburgh studying Science and Technology in Society. Bretscher will then pursue a research masters in physics at Cambridge University with Professor Jeremy Baumberg the following year.

According to the Marshall Scholarships website, the scholarships "finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Up to forty Scholars are selected each year to study at graduate level at an UK institution in any field of study."

The scholarship process starts with a written application that includes three essays, recommendation letters and a nomination from the University. After the field of applicants is whittled down, the second round is an in-person interview of the finalists.

Following her finalist interview, the committee told Bretscher that they would call her if she received the award. "I was at work [doing lab research] the afternoon we were supposed to find out, but was getting really nervous," Bretscher said. "So I gave my laptop and my phone to my boyfriend, and went to Henry Crown for practice and to go on a run with others. They called my phone a few times while I was running, and he picked up and told them I'd be back around [5:00 PM]. When I returned, I called the consulate and they delivered the news. I was very surprised!"

Bretscher becomes UChicago's 21st Marshall scholar since 1987. The senior pointed to her collegiate athletic experience as key to her growth as a student. The athletic environment has helped her focus on time management, as well as improve discipline and work ethic. Bretscher has appreciated the support that her teammates provide for one another.

"I also think that running keeps me balanced," she said. "It's so nice to study all day and then go to practice and focus on something very different than my problem set, becoming aware of my body rather than always stuck in my head. It's also great to focus on the team rather than yourself. Running definitely keeps me grounded and keeps me healthy – mentally and physically!"