U of A Celebrates First Churchill Scholar and Marshall Finalist

The U of A continues its rise among the nation’s elite institutions for student success, as physics and mathematics major John Samuel Sooter has been named the university’s first-ever Churchill Scholar, and alumna Anna Mathis was selected as a finalist for the prestigious Marshall Scholarship.

Together, the honors highlight U of A students’ growing national and international impact in science, public service and leadership.

“The University of Arkansas is incredibly proud of Sam Sooter and Anna Mathis and their many accomplishments, including being recognized by these prestigious programs,” said Charles Robinson, U of A chancellor. “They are both engaged, dedicated and service-minded individuals who have already made important differences in their chosen work — for Sam Sooter, that is STEM research; for Anna, it is in government. They are excellent representatives of the students at our university, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.”

John Samuel Sooter - Historic Churchill Scholarship

Sooter, a senior in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and an Honors College fellow, is one of just 18 students nationwide selected for the Winston Churchill Scholarship, which supports a fully funded year of graduate study in science, mathematics or engineering at the University of Cambridge. It is one of the most selective postgraduate awards in the world.

Sooter will pursue a master’s degree at Cambridge, where he plans to conduct research at the intersection of physics, mathematics and neuroscience, applying advanced computational and theoretical tools to better understand how large networks of brain cells coordinate behavior.

"I am honored to receive a Churchill Scholarship and excited to spend a year abroad immersed in the outstanding computational neuroscience community at Cambridge,” Sooter said. “This opportunity would not have been possible without the guidance and support of my family and research mentors. I am especially grateful to professor Woodrow Shew, who welcomed me into his lab when I was a junior in high school and has been an extraordinary adviser and scientific role model in the nearly four years since. I would also like to thank faculty members Mriganka Sur and members of the Sur Lab at MIT, particularly Marco Celotto and Sofie Ährlund-Richter, who opened my eyes to the exciting intersection of computational and systems neuroscience. Finally, I am grateful to professors Antonio Fontenele, Cheng Ly and Andrea Barreiro for their generosity with time and ideas over the years."

Sooter has maintained an exceptional academic record while completing dual degrees in physics and mathematics. Since his first year at the U of A, he has conducted advanced research on neural systems using tools from physics, information theory and machine learning. His work has resulted in peer-reviewed publications, including a co–first-author paper in Science Advances; international conference presentations; and a pending U.S. patent.

He is also a Barry Goldwater Scholar, the nation’s premier undergraduate award for students pursuing research careers in science, engineering and mathematics.

"Achievements like this reflect the remarkable curiosity, discipline and intellectual ambition our students bring to their studies,” said Brian Raines, dean of Fulbright College. “Pursuing rigorous work in both physics and mathematics, Sam exemplifies the spirit of discovery and academic excellence that defines Fulbright College, and we look forward to seeing the impact this opportunity will have on his future scholarship.”

Anna Mathis - Marshall Scholarship Finalist

Mathis, a 2024 graduate, was named a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship, which funds up to two years of graduate study in the United Kingdom and recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership and ambassadorial potential.

Mathis graduated summa cum laude with a degree in agricultural education, communications and technology, with concentrations in communications and leadership, and minors in global studies and agriculture leadership. She was named the top female graduate of the university by the Arkansas Alumni Association and the top graduate of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

She currently serves as digital director for U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer in Washington, D.C., leading digital communications strategy for House leadership. Previously, she served as digital director for the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources and worked as a congressional intern with the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

Mathis is also a 2023 Truman Scholar and Truman–Albright Fellow, a nationally competitive award recognizing commitment to public service. Her international experience includes work in Uganda and Italy, focusing on food security, women’s empowerment and humanitarian relief. She co-founded and serves on the board of Her Mighty Hands, an international agriculture nonprofit that supports women farmers in Uganda through training and extension programs.

“Anna Mathis is an excellent representative of our college, our university and our community,” said Jeff Edwards, dean of the Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. “She is an energetic force with the intent of bringing about positive change and has been throughout her career, from serving as national secretary for the FFA to serving in Washington, D.C. I look forward to following her career as she works to make lives better for Arkansans and for those beyond our state."

Sooter’s Churchill Scholarship and Mathis’ Marshall finalist recognition underscore the U of A’s continued success in the world of nationally competitive awards. In recent years, U of A students and alumni have earned increasing numbers of Goldwater, Truman, Rhodes, Marshall and Churchill honors, reflecting the university’s expanding reputation for academic excellence, leadership and global engagement.

Students and alumni interested in pursuing nationally competitive scholarships should contact the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards at awards@uark.edu or visit awards.uark.edu.

About the Churchill Scholarship: The Churchill Scholarship is a highly competitive international fellowship that supports outstanding American students pursuing graduate study in science, mathematics and engineering at the University of Cambridge. Administered by the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States, the scholarship was established in honor of Sir Winston Churchill and emphasizes academic excellence, originality and leadership in research. Each year, just 18 Churchill Scholars are selected nationwide for a fully funded year of master’s study at Cambridge. John Samuel Sooter is the first University of Arkansas student to be named a Churchill Scholar.

About the Marshall Scholarship: The Marshall Scholarship is a highly competitive international fellowship that supports outstanding American students pursuing graduate study at universities across the United Kingdom. Established by the British government in 1953 as a living tribute to the Marshall Plan, the scholarship is designed to strengthen the enduring relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom while promoting academic excellence, leadership and ambassadorial service. Each year, fewer than 50 Marshall Scholars are selected nationwide to receive up to two years of fully funded graduate study.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation.