UGA junior Laurel Hiatt named 2018 Truman Scholar

Laurel Hiatt, a third-year Honors student from Dahlonega majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology and Spanish, was one of 59 undergraduates from across the nation to be named a 2018 Truman Scholar, a highly competitive graduate scholarship program for aspiring public service leaders in the U.S.:

Truman Scholarship recipients receive $30,000 toward graduate school and have the opportunity to participate in professional development to help prepare them for careers in public service leadership.

“Laurel becomes the 21st Truman Scholar from the University of Georgia,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “The university’s success in national and international scholarship competitions is a testament to the quality and dedication of our students and the faculty who create their rich academic experiences.”

Hiatt, a third-year Honors student from Dahlonega majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology and Spanish, plans to obtain an M.D./Ph.D. in medical genetics and biochemistry and pursue a career at the forefront of clinical research, with a focus on transgender health care.

Hiatt’s public service and civic activities include training a service dog through the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind; creating new training modules as director of the Lambda Alliance Speakers’ Bureau; writing and editing content for financial advocacy nonprofit Wealthy Habits; tutoring middle school students through UGA Mathcounts Outreach; and participating in Free the Girls at UGA, which provides jobs for survivors of human trafficking.

Congratulations to Hiatt, her professors, academic majors and the Honors program on bringing this prestigious scholarship to our campus again this year. The achievements of UGA students continue to place the university in elite circles, which attracts more great students and faculty. Well done, Ms. Hiatt.