April 12, 2023

We're thrilled to announce that Sky Harper, chemistry '24, has been selected as a 2023 Truman Scholar! Sky is the second Drexel student to ever receive this highly selective scholarship, which is meant to celebrate and prepare the nation's next generation of public service leaders. Truman Scholars receive funding for graduate school as well as access to professional development, a summer internship program, and advising and mentoring.

We are so proud of the hard work and commitment Sky has shown throughout the application process. Please join us in congratulating him on this impressive achievement!

Read more on Drexel News: Sky Harper Becomes Drexel's Second-Ever Truman Scholar, First-Ever Triple Crown

Sky Harper, 

Sky Harper is a third-year student at Drexel University pursuing a BS in chemistry. After graduation, he plans to enter an MD/PhD program and delve into translational and clinical research on external and internal factors that contribute to healthcare disparities and limitations in low-resource communities. He is the President of Drexel Indigenous Students of the Americas and is involved around campus in different capacities. He is working with the USDA-ARS as a researcher. He has had the opportunity to conduct research with Dr. Hai-Feng Ji on polymers and Dr. John Medaglia in the Cognitive Neuroengineering and Wellbeing Laboratory and will be joining Dr. Bouchard's lab during the spring.

Sky is a first-generation Navajo student from Chinle, Arizona and his goal is to show his five younger brothers that it is possible to succeed in whatever field you pursue. He would like to thank his mom and dad for their support throughout his life and for always being invested in his and his brother's education. Sky has been involved in the Pennoni Honors College through the Honors Program, STAR Scholars, Aspire, Scholars, Supernova Undergraduate Research Fellows, and fellowships advising. He hopes to write for Dr. Melinda Lewis before graduation!

Special thanks to Sky's mock interview committee, who helped prepare him for his Truman finalist interview:

John Fry, President of Drexel University
Michelle Dolinski, Associate Dean of Graduate Education, CoAS and Associate Professor of Physics
Travice Curtice Assistant Professor of Politics
Steve Weber, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Curriculum and Education and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Kevin Egan, Director of Academic Programs, Pennoni Honors College

Special thanks as well to the members of Drexel’s 2023 Truman Campus Committee, who worked with Undergraduate Research and Enrichment Programs to review applications, conduct interviews, and advise our nominees on their applications:

David Brown, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Politics
Travis Curtice, Assistant Professor of Politics
Andrew Zitcer, Program Director, Urban Strategy and Associate Professor of Arts Administration and Museum Leadership

The Truman Scholarship is a highly prestigious national program that supports the graduate education and professional development of outstanding young people committed to careers in public service, including education and non-profit sectors. Since its creation in 1975, the Foundation has supported over 3,400 Truman Scholars who are making a difference in all corners of the nation and around the globe.

For more information, visit the Truman Foundation website or contact UREP at fellowships@drexel.edu.