February 26, 2024

Update: We're thrilled to announce that Alyssa Kemp has been selected as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship! This highly selective program recognizes and supports the next generation of public service leaders by providing funding for graduate school as well as access to professional development, a summer internship program, and advising and mentoring.

Alyssa is one of 191 finalists who were selected from 709 total applications received in this year's competition. We're so proud of their hard work and wish them the best of luck as they proceed to the interview stage and final selection!

Alyssa Kemp
BS/MS environmental engineering '25

Alyssa Kemp is a fourth-year student at Drexel University pursuing accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental engineering. They are pursuing minors in interdisciplinary problem-solving and climate change. Their interests are rooted in environmental and social justice, climate policy, and community development. As such, they have conducted research projects on community-based heat mitigation strategies, community gardens, and climate transition workforce development programs. They are a Nina Henderson Provost Scholar, a Community-Based Learning Project Lead, and a Task Member of Drexel’s Climate Action Plan. After graduation, they aspire to enter a JD program, specializing in environmental and energy law. 

Alyssa has been involved in the Pennoni Honors College through the Honors Program, as a 2021 STAR Scholar and Velay Fellow, as a 2021-22 Aspire Scholar, and through the SuperNova Undergraduate Research Fellows Program.

Alyssa says, "Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey so far! I'm especially grateful to Dr. Christopher Weyant, Dr. Franco Montalto, Mathy Stanislaus, Esq, and everyone at the UREP office."

Special thanks to the members of Drexel’s 2024 Truman Campus Committee, who worked with Undergraduate Research and Enrichment Programs to review applications, conduct interviews, and advise Alyssa on their application:

David Brown, PhD, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Joseph Amon, PhD, MSPH, Dornsife School of Public Health
Meg Guliford, PhD, College of Arts and Sciences

The Truman Scholarship is a highly prestigious national program that supports the graduate education and professional development of outstanding young people committed to careers in public service, including education and non-profit sectors. Since its creation in 1975, the Foundation has supported over 3,500 Truman Scholars who are making a difference in all corners of the nation and around the globe.

For more information, visit the Truman Foundation website or contact UREP at fellowships@drexel.edu.