Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States officially announced its cohort of 16 Churchill Scholars for the 2026–2027 academic year. Among the winners is Kate Carline, a senior at the College of William & Mary, who has made history as the university’s first-ever recipient of this prestigious award.
The Churchill Scholarship is widely considered one of the most academically rigorous graduate fellowships in the world, selecting only a handful of students in science, mathematics, and engineering for a year of Master’s study at Churchill College, University of Cambridge.
A Milestone for William & Mary
Carline’s selection is a landmark achievement for William & Mary, marking the first time a student from the institution has joined the ranks of Churchill Scholars since the program’s inception in 1963.
The Selection Pool: This year’s competition saw a record-breaking 159 nominations from 102 participating institutions—the highest in the program’s history.
Academic Standing: Carline is one of only eight women selected for the 2026–2027 cohort, a group representing the top tier of American STEM research.
The “Firsts” Club: William & Mary joins Texas A&M, Tufts University, and the University of Arkansas as institutions celebrating their first-ever Churchill Scholars this cycle.
Research Focus: Bacteriophages and Bioengineering
Carline, a double major in biology and public policy, was recognized for her innovative research at the intersection of microbiology and environmental safety.
Bacteriophages: Her work focuses on the study of viruses that infect bacteria, specifically within bioengineered microbial communities.
Safety Standards: She is credited with developing hands-on laboratory experiments and data analysis frameworks to establish safe foundational standards for bioengineered bacteria in realistic soil conditions.
Future Trajectory: At Cambridge, she will pursue a Master of Philosophy in Biological Science (Pathology). Her long-term goal is to enter an MD/PhD program to combine clinical care with high-level research.
The Churchill Scholarship Benefit
Valued at over $80,000, the scholarship provides comprehensive support for the year abroad.
| Benefit Category | Details for 2026–2027 |
| Tuition & Fees | Full coverage for University of Cambridge Master’s programs. |
| Living Stipend | Competitive rate (5% above UK Research Council standard). |
| Travel & Logistics | Roundtrip airfare, visa fees, and health surcharges included. |
| Research Grant | Eligibility to apply for an additional $4,000 special grant. |
