Graduate Miranda McClellan, earning a degree in MEng in 2019, secures the 2025 Schwarzman Scholarship.
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Congratulations are in order for MIT alumna Miranda McClellan '18, MEng '19, who snagged a spot as a 2025 Schwarzman Scholar! This prestigious title is shared by 150 scholars from 43 countries and 114 universities worldwide, preparing to join the program in August 2024. These scholars will embark on a fully-funded, one-year master’s degree program in global affairs at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
With a pool of over 4,000 applicants, McClellan and her fellow Scholars have proven their mettle. The program encompasses a curriculum centered around leadership, global affairs, and China, offering opportunities for cultural immersion, experiential learning, and professional development. The Schwarzman Scholarship aspires to foster a network of global leaders, each armed with a profound understanding of China's ever-evolving role in the world.
Born and raised in Texas, McClellan graduated from MIT with a BS in computer science and a minor in African Studies in June 2018, following it up with an MEng in computer science in June 2019. During her time at MIT, she served on the board for the Black Students' Union and presented recommendations to make campus more inclusive. Her post-graduate pursuits led her to Spain with a Fulbright grant, where she delved into applying machine learning to 5G networks.
McClellan boasts fellowships from the Internet Society, Center for AI & Data Policy, and the National Science Policy Network. She's been a data scientist at Microsoft since 2020, creating machine learning models to detect malware. In 2022, she co-founded Black Arts DFW to nurture equitable access to fine arts for Black patrons in the Dallas area. Additionally, she serves as a mentor and cybersecurity curriculum developer to encourage minority women in tech roles. As a Schwarzman Scholar, McClellan aspires to scrutinize the impacts of Chinese and U.S. policies on cybersecurity, privacy, and AI fairness.
MIT's Schwarzman Scholar applicants draw guidance and support from the Career Advising and Professional Development's distinguished fellowships team and the Presidential Committee on Distinguished Fellowships. Interested students and alumni can reach out to Kimberly Benard, associate dean and director of distinguished fellowships and academic excellence, for further details.
While the specifics of McClellan's Schwarzman Scholars program focus haven't been publicly disclosed, her ambitions are likely to encompass:
- Gaining expertise in global affairs with a focus on China.
- Developing leadership skills to tackle the complexities of international relations.
- Building professional and cultural connections to foster collaboration between the United States and China.
- Utilizing her experiences to bridge divides and contribute positively to global policy, business, or non-profit sectors.
- Miranda McClellan, a 2025 Schwarzman Scholar and MIT alumna, will embark on a journey of education and self-development, pursuing a master’s degree in global affairs at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- As McClellan prepares to join the Schwarzman Scholars program, she anticipates delving deeply into the study of global affairs, with a special focus on China, aiming to gain expertise in this area.
- After completing her BS in computer science and a minor in African Studies at MIT, followed by an MEng in computer science, McClellan has continued to expand her knowledge through research, fellowships, and work in the technology sector.
- Among her numerous achievements, McClellan has been a data scientist at Microsoft since 2020, focusing on developing machine learning models to detect malware, and in 2022, she co-founded Black Arts DFW to promote equitable access to fine arts for Black patrons in the Dallas area.
- McClellan's goals as a Schwarzman Scholar extend beyond academic excellence. She aims to develop strong leadership skills, positioning herself to tackle the complexities of international relations.
- As a Schwarzman Scholar, McClellan also seeks to build professional and cultural connections, fostering collaboration between the United States and China, and to utilize her experiences to Bridge divides and contribute positively to global policy, business, or non-profit sectors.
- Aspiring Schwarzman Scholars from MIT can draw guidance and support from the Career Advising and Professional Development's distinguished fellowships team and the Presidential Committee on Distinguished Fellowships, offering a path for future students and alumni to follow in McClellan's footsteps.