University of Florida student wins prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship

February 8, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida senior Justin Bangs has been selected as one of 40 Gates Cambridge Scholars from the United States to study for a master’s degree of philosophy, also known as an M. Phil degree, in Environment, Society and Development in the department of geography at the University of Cambridge on a full scholarship. An Orlando native, Bangs is majoring in political science and history with a minor in women’s studies at UF.

Bangs is a 2005 recipient of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and was selected as one of three 2005 Student Conservation Association-Unilever Interns nationally. At the University of Florida, Bangs is a Reitz Scholar and a member of the Matthews Society. He currently serves as president of the Environmental Action Group and is a member of the University Honors Program. Bangs has served as an officer for the Outreach Ambassador Program and Vox: Voices for Planned Parenthood, and is the debate coach for Cypress Creek High School in Orlando.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation established the Gates Cambridge scholarship in 2000 to enable outstanding young men and women from outside the United Kingdom to study as graduate students at the University of Cambridge. Over time, Gates Cambridge Scholars will form a dynamic influential international alumni network, bringing vision and commitment to improving the lives of citizens throughout the world.

The trustees award scholarships on the basis of leadership, intellectual ability and the desire to use knowledge to contribute to the well-being of society. Since the start of program, 527 Gates Scholars from 72 countries have accepted awards, 224 of them from the United States.

Bangs joins Jason Kliewer (2003) and Lina Barrera (2002) as Gates Cambridge Scholars from the University of Florida.

Information on the Gates Cambridge Scholarships can be found at www.gates.scholarships.cam.ac.uk. Information on this and other prestigious scholarships available to University of Florida students and alumni can be found at www.honors.ufl.edu/scholarships/prestigious.html.