Maleah McClellan

2024 Gilman Scholarship Recipient

Hometown

Camby, IN

Major

National Resources and Environmental Science

College

College of Agriculture

 

Maleah McClellan received the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Costa Rica. As a NRES major, Maleah found her dream program in CIEE Summer Tropical Ecology and Conservation program. Through CIEE, she will explore Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity with a focus on Monteverde and complete an independent research project. Her dedication to human development and ecological development sustainable practices prepares her for a future working with international development and environmental advocacy. Gaining this international experience has the added benefit of preparing her for her goal of joining the Peace Corps after graduation.

 

When she is not studying, Maleah enjoys craft-making and spending time in nature hiking. A hiker’s paradise, Costa Rica offers her opportunities to learn about the country’s history and contains plenty of hiking expeditions with cultural significance and landmarks. Additionally, Maleah looks forward to embracing Costa Rica’s pura vida mindset.

 

As part of Purdue’s Peace Corps (PC) Prep Certificate program at Purdue, Maleah is using this program to fulfill the global experiences component. Having been in their shoes before, she wants to ensure her peers have information readily accessible. Therefore, her follow-on project involves creating a blog and presenting at the PC Prep callout to encourage first-generation students with fewer financial resources to consider studying abroad.