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Allison Boyd, a first-generation Purdue Polytechnic senior, has been awarded the prestigious Marshall Scholarship to pursue graduate education in the United Kingdom. Today, she is set to join an elite group of scholars as a recipient of the prestigious Marshall Scholarship. The scholarship enables intellectually distinguished young American leaders to study in the United Kingdom.
Boyd’s path to this moment is rooted in discovery, resilience and an ever-growing passion for creating change in the aviation industry. “When I first arrived at Purdue, aviation policy wasn’t even on my radar,” Boyd admitted. “I originally envisioned roles like pilot or mechanic. But Purdue’s aviation community showed me how diverse and impactful this field can be. It opened my eyes to public service as a way to address the industry’s biggest challenges.”
Boyd will pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, where she plans to dive deeper into aviation policy. Her focus will be on tackling global challenges, such as sustainability and workforce development, while contributing her expertise to the international dialogue. “The UK is leading the charge on these challenges, and I want to study their approach while contributing my own perspective,” Boyd said.
Purdue’s rigorous academic environment and supportive faculty were instrumental in Boyd’s journey. As a previous recipient of the prestigious Truman Scholarship, Boyd attributes her success to Purdue’s aviation program and the mentorship she received from faculty and staff.
“Before the Truman award, I had never even considered prestigious scholarships as an option,” Boyd said. “The encouragement and guidance I received completely changed my mindset, showing me that opportunities like the Marshall Scholarship weren’t unattainable—they were within reach if I was willing to put in the work.”
Boyd’s story is also one of bold experimentation. Through internships with NASA, Lockheed Martin and Blue Origin, she gained first-hand experience in aviation’s technological frontiers. These roles reinforced her belief that addressing the industry’s challenges requires more than just engineering solutions—it requires policy innovation informed by a deep understanding of technology. This integration of academic rigor and real-world application underscores the unique opportunities students find at Purdue.
Boyd’s research projects at Purdue and NASA further solidified this perspective. As the Principal Investigator for the Lunar-Based Atomic Clock proposal, Boyd led a national team in designing a coordinated timing system for lunar exploration. “Projects like these show that the future of aerospace isn’t just about inventing new technologies—it’s about adapting existing ones for new contexts, often under strict regulations,” she said.
Boyd’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles. Still, as a first-generation student, Boyd embraced academic opportunities with determination and resourcefulness. “When I started at Purdue, I had never considered prestigious scholarships for my future as I considered them unattainable,” Boyd shared. “I often felt like I was playing catch-up with my peers.”
She now views those challenges as a source of strength. “My background gave me a deep empathy for others who face barriers, and it’s inspired me to improve access and diversity in aviation,” Boyd said. She has already taken steps to create opportunities for others through initiatives like Purdue Aviation Day and the Aviation Technology Career Fair, but she dreams of creating change on a national level.
Looking ahead, Boyd is eager to join a global network of Marshall Scholars dedicated to improving their industries and communities. “These scholarships provide more than financial support,” Boyd said. “They connect you with like-minded individuals who share a vision of public service and innovation.”
For Boyd, the Marshall Scholarship is not just a milestone—it’s a springboard. From Purdue’s supportive aviation community to the international stage of UK academia, she is charting a course toward a future where aviation policy is a tool for sustainability and progress. Her academic journey highlights opportunities at Purdue for students to become leaders and solve global challenges with innovation and excellence.
“We’re incredibly proud of Allison’s accomplishments,” said Daniel Castro-Lacouture, Dean of Purdue’s Polytechnic Institute. “Her combination of interests in aviation and public policy is very powerful, perfectly suited to the Marshall Scholarship experience.”
Boyd says attending an information session hosted by the Honors College was a turning point in her academic journey. As a previous winner of the prestigious Truman Scholarship, Boyd was encouraged by Veronica Schirm, director of the National and International Scholarships Office (NISO), to apply for the Marshall Scholarship as well, even though she had a job lined up after graduation.
Schirm said Boyd’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and determination. “She represents the best of Purdue: someone who is not only academically gifted but also deeply committed to making a difference.”
Boyd advised Purdue students considering applying for prestigious scholarships to connect with NISO and learn more about the opportunities.
“They’re more than awards,” she said. “They’re about building a future for public service.”
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