When Mallory Thompson ’26 was interviewed for the Rae Elizabeth Smith ’59 Washington Scholarship, she asked the committee what experiences she shouldn’t miss out on as a University of Mary Washington student.
“They told me, unanimously, that I should study abroad,” said Thompson, a senior biomedical sciences major from Spotsylvania who went on to earn the prestigious award that provides full tuition, fees, and housing and dining for in-state students. “Receiving that scholarship totally changed my college experience.”
She also recently earned the Grellet C. Simpson International Scholarship, which supported her studies during the fall semester at the University College Cork in Ireland. At this world-class research institution, she took courses in anatomy and philosophy for her practical ethics minor, along with Celtic cultural classes like Irish mythology and step-dancing, as well as a lesser known form of traditional folk dancing known as “Irish sets.”
“I’m so grateful to my donors for providing me with these experiences,” Thompson said. An aspiring physician, she joined UMW’s Pre-Health Society, volunteers with Red Cross blood drives and Mary Washington Healthcare’s emergency department and traveled with Global Medical Brigades to treat patients in rural Panama – and dances with the Performing Arts Company for fun.
She has also conducted trailblazing research with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Laura Sipe. “We’re trying to engage and alert the immune system to search for leftover breast cancer cells after a patient has undergone chemotherapy,” said Thompson, who presented her findings at a student showcase hosted by the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia, held in Richmond last spring.
“Mallory uses her strong foundation from biomedical sciences courses to ask insightful questions and make new connections,” Sipe said. “Because of her intellectual curiosity and diligence, she will move our understanding of cancer recurrence forward.”
Mallory Thompson (back row, third from left) with her fellow Washington and Alvey Scholars at a reception at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center’s Kalnen Inn in fall 2023. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.
Mallory Thompson and her faculty mentor, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Laura Sipe, in front of their research poster at the Virginia State Capitol during a student showcase presented by the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia last spring.
In between her academic coursework abroad, Thompson enjoyed exploring the Irish countryside. Her favorite excursion involved visiting the Titanic Experience museum in Cobh, where the last passengers departed in 1912, she said. “It’s one of my favorite films!”
A UMW Honors Program scholar, Thompson will continue her studies after she graduates at The George Washington University School of Medicine, where she was accepted through Mary Washington’s Early Selection Program, along with several of her peers.
“Being a part of the UMW community will make acclimating to medical school easier,” said Thompson, who plans to practice oncology or dermatology. “I’m so grateful for all Mary Washington has given me.”
Mallory Thompson near the city center of Cork, Ireland, right outside of the English market.
Mallory Thompson in front of St. Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Ireland.
Mallory Thompson takes in views of Kinsale from Charles Fort, a late 17th century military fortress in Ireland.
Mallory Thompson outside of the Titanic Experience museum. “It was an interactive experience where they treat you like a passenger and give you a card with someone who had boarded the ship,” she said. “My passenger survived! It was such a neat thing to do in Cobh!”
Learn about Washington and Alvey Scholarships. For information about supporting student success through scholarships now and through your estate plans, contact Jeremy Vaughn at jvaughn@umw.edu or 540-654-2063.