From Sweden to Norway to Turks and Caicos

Three current and former College of Ag students win prestigious grant and scholarships

Morgan Hamilton, a rising senior majoring in aquatic sciences, has had an “incredible” experience at Purdue, even though West Lafayette is approximately 800 miles from the nearest ocean. But this summer, Hamilton will be traversing the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean as she heads to the islands of Turks and Caicos on a Gilman Scholarship, a US State Department grant for study abroad.

Hamilton is one of three current or former College of Agriculture students traveling abroad on scholarships this summer. Rising junior Lauren Toepp will travel to Sweden and Norway, also on a Gilman Scholarship, and 2024 graduate Kendall Daniels was offered a Fulbright grant for a master’s program in Sweden.

Morgan Hamilton: Studying marine megafauna in Turks and Caicos

A native of Martinsville, Indiana, Hamilton’s interest in marine biology was sparked by Free Willy, the 1993 family movie about an orphaned boy befriending a captive orca.  

“Not having something readily available made me want to do it more,” she says.

At Purdue, Hamilton has focused largely on freshwater biology, working as a student researcher in Tomas Höök’s lab, which focuses on fish in the Great Lakes.

But when she learned about the Marine Resource Studies program on South Caicos Island, sponsored by the School for Field Studies, she saw a chance to get some saltwater experience.

“I really wanted to do it – I knew it would be really impactful on my career,” she says. “But I was very taken aback by the price.”

Purdue’s National and International Scholarships Office (NISO) reached out with support.

“I would like to shout out Leah Criss – she read and edited all my essays and gave me feedback,” Hamilton says, of NISO’s Scholar Development Advisor.

Hamilton will head to Turks and Caicos in early July for the month-long program, where students will study marine megafauna like sharks, rays, whales and sea turtles. In preparation, she’s been studying for her scuba certification, completing her open water practice in an old limestone quarry in Logansport.

“Going forward, I'm excited to see how Morgan continues to grow as a scholar, both in the classroom and through her research project,” says Höök, head of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. “The ability to participate in international activities through the support of the Gilman Scholarship will undoubtedly enhance this growth.”

Lauren Toepp: Studying natural resource use in Scandinavia

Growing up in South Bend, Ind., Lauren Toepp was encouraged to love science and nature.

“My parents would always take us outside to do activities and to different events at the library, like Science Alive [a nonprofit STEM education program],” she says. “They made me really interested in this field, and I have wanted to learn more and be involved ever since!”

Toepp double majors in wildlife and aquatic sciences, with an interest in sustainability and conservation. While aquatic sciences students can fulfill a marine biology practicum in the United States, Toepp was interested in travelling further away.

“I decided to apply for the Gilman because it is an amazing opportunity to go abroad and see other countries' perspectives on natural resources and experience their culture,” she says.

During the month-long course - Sweden & Norway: International Natural Resources, led by Tomas Höök and Douglass Jacobs, Fred M van Eck Professor of Forest Biology – Toepp and her classmates will look at how Sweden and Norway handle sustainability issues in industries like mining and fishing.

“We’ll study the interaction between terrestrial and aquatic systems, and the steps these countries are taking to make sustainability of resource use a reality,” she says.

Patrick Ruhl, clinical assistant professor of teaching and learning in forestry and natural resources, has taught Toepp in several classes, and says the Gilman will be a great opportunity for her.

“She’s interested in broadening her horizons,” he says. “I think she’s probably going to end up with a career that takes her to lots of different places.”

Kendall Daniels: Doing a master’s in environmental science in Sweden

Kendall Daniels, a 2024 graduate in natural resources and environmental science, is passionate about the environment – especially when it comes to keeping people healthy. Since graduation, she’s been working as a permitting manager in the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Water Quality, making sure pollutants stay out of local water supplies.

She’ll be taking on environmental issues this coming year by studying for a master’s in environmental science in Sweden through a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program Research/Study Grant.

“I’ve always had a desire to live in a different country,” says Daniels, an Indianapolis native. “I’ve lived in Indiana my whole life, so I was aware my perspective on the world was pretty limited. And when it comes to the environment, a lot of issues are global.”

Daniels’ program – “Environmental Science: Atmosphere, Biogeochemistry, and Climate” – at Stockholm University will involve research on thawing permafrost in the arctic.  

This won’t be Daniels’ first time in Sweden.

“I was fortunate to go on Purdue’s Forestry and Natural Resources program there in 2023,” she says. “Sweden’s amazing. Sustainability’s so ingrained in their culture. There are dual-flushing toilets everywhere, no plastic bags; little things that seem like a lot to Americans, but it’s just everyday stuff there. I was hooked!”

Daniels’ has been studying Swedish for more than a year, though her course will be in English. After her master’s, she hopes to earn a PhD.

“Research and teaching would be up my alley,” she says.

Laura Bowling, head of the Department of Agronomy, knew Kendall as a student, research assistant, teaching assistant and student ambassador during her undergraduate years.

“Kendall is an amazing student and a pleasure to work with,” she says. “I have no doubt that she will also excel in the graduate program at Stockholm University and be an excellent ambassador.”

Bon Voyage, Morgan, Lauren and Kendall!