Molly Hirner, a Rhodes College junior from Kansas City, MO, has been selected to receive the Fulbright Canada-Mitacs Globalink Research Internship, which is intended for U.S. students to undertake advanced research projects in their area of interest for 10 to 12 weeks at a top Canadian university.
Hirner, who is pursuing a major in economics and mathematics, will conduct research this summer at the University of Waterloo in Ontario. Her topic is “Assessing the Economic and Human Resource Implications to Care for an Aging Population.”
The program is competitive, and students are evaluated on a combination of factors, including their academic record, application rationale, skills appropriate to the project, resume, and reference letters.
Dr. Esen Kirdis, co-director of post-graduate fellowships at Rhodes, helped Hirner with the Fulbright Canada application, and Dr. Eric Gottlieb, associate professor of mathematics, wrote her a recommendation letter for the program. Dr. Courtney Collins, associate professor of economics, is Hirner’s academic advisor.
“I am incredibly grateful for all the guidance and inspiration from faculty during my time at Rhodes,” said Hirner. “I do not think I would have had the confidence to apply for this program without their guidance.”
As a recipient of Rhodes’ Theodore William Eckels International Internship, Hirner spent the summer of 2023 working as an economic research intern for the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town, South Africa. She also worked for the institute’s Sustainable Development group.
At Rhodes, she is a math supplemental Instructor, participates in Model UN, and is involved in Greek life. She also is a resident advisor and a campus tour guide.