The University of New Mexico's Ariana Pritha has been chosen for the 2025-2026 Churchill Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded by the Winston Churchill Foundation, selects 16 scholars annually in the fields of science, math, and engineering. The foundation received 127 nominations from 82 institutions this year, matching its largest application pool.
Established at Sir Winston Churchill's request, the scholarship aims to strengthen U.S.-U.K. partnerships in science and technology. Pritha is the fourth UNM student to receive this honor since 2017.
Pritha also holds a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship from 2024. She is completing dual Bachelor of Science degrees in biochemistry and psychology with a minor in health, medicine, and human values at UNM. At Cambridge University, she will continue her neuroscience research.
"Working in a leading research environment will allow me to apply cutting-edge techniques, contribute to meaningful discoveries, and expand my skills as a scientist," said Pritha. "I’m also excited to build a strong professional network by collaborating with experts across disciplines and connecting with fellow scholars."
The scholarship provides an opportunity for advanced research at Cambridge University alongside innovative peers. "I believe it is a chance for me to move closer to the world of more clinical/translational research," Pritha stated.
Her focus will be on Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) research during her time at Cambridge. Her work will involve combining molecular biology techniques with neuroimaging methods to study LBD's mechanisms.
"I hope to uncover novel biomarkers and insights into the genetic architecture of the disease," said Pritha about her upcoming Master of Philosophy (MPhil) studies in Medical Sciences focusing on psychiatry.
Shahani Noor, assistant professor and Pritha’s mentor, praised her dedication: "Ariana is a highly promising young scientist whose dedication to neuroimmunology research is truly commendable."
The Churchill Scholarship funds include tuition coverage, airfare to the U.K., visa fees, health surcharge, and an additional stipend valued around $65,000 per year for one year of master’s study. Recipients can also apply for a $4,000 special research grant.
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