Madeline Eibner-Gebhardt
Murray 1693 Scholar
Hometown
Washington DC (School Without Walls)
Academic Interests
Biology, Computational and Applied Mathematics and Statistics (CAMS), Music
Why W&M
When I started the college admissions process, I had one main priority: find a school with strong undergraduate research opportunities in the sciences. And so when I received notification from William & Mary that I was a semifinalist for the 1693 Scholarship, which would give me research-focused mentoring and the chance to receive funding, I was immediately interested.
Once a finalist, I talked to alumni who glowingly recounted projects ranging from HIV clinical studies to boardgame development. I chatted with current students who were excited to explain the science behind everything from unnatural amino acids to genetically engineered soil bacteria, and I talked with professors who asked probing questions about my own research interests. This was exactly what I was looking for—and I hadn’t experienced it anywhere else.
Entering the Murray House for the first time, though, I realized that the benefits of W&M went far beyond research alone. The same students who enthusiastically discussed their academic interests were also more than willing to lead sing-alongs, compete in fierce ultimate frisbee battles, and make late-night cookie runs. And as I talked to the other finalists, I found that they were people whom I could connect with over Latin translations, violin repertoire, and more. I discovered then that I wanted a community of thoughtful, motivated, and research-driven students to learn from—and that W&M was the place I could get it.
High School Activities
- Computational Genomics Research Intern, Smithsonian National Zoo Center for Conservation Genomics
- Violin Student of Maestro Dietrich Paredes
- First Violinist, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras of Strathmore
- Concertmaster, Philadelphia International Music Festival Symphony Orchestra
- Co-Leader, Certamen (Latin Trivia) Team
- Voter Assistance Clerk, D.C. Board of Elections
- Volunteer Camp Counselor, Levine Music Camp
- Volunteer Spanish Tutor
- Latin Club
- Spanish Culture Club
Awards / Distinctions
- 2nd Prize, London International Music Competition
- 3rd Prize, String Competition Online
- 4th Prize, Beethoven Young Musician Competition
- Honorable Mention, U.S. Army Orchestra Young Artist Competition
- Winner of Logo Design Competition for D.C. Public Schools Office of Becoming
- National Latin Exam Special Book Award
- National Latin Exam consecutive Perfect Scores and Gold Medals
- Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and English
- National Merit Finalist
- National AP Scholar with Distinction
- US Presidential Scholars Program Candidate
- National Honor Society
- National Latin Honor Society
- National Spanish Honor Society
