- April 24, 2026
- By Laura Barnhardt Cech
A University of Maryland junior with a passion for environmental justice has been awarded a Truman Scholarship, the nation’s most selective award for underclassmen with exceptional leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or in the nonprofit sector, and demonstrated academic excellence.
Michelle Wang ’27, a double major in environmental science and policy along with social data science, is the 12th UMD student to earn the honor established by Congress in 1975 to memorialize President Harry S. Truman. It provides up to $30,000 for graduate studies, leadership training, career counseling, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.
“This incredible honor recognizes Michelle’s deep commitment to environmental justice and public service, as well as her excellence inside and outside the classroom, from challenging internships to meaningful advocacy,” said Associate Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Studies William A. Cohen. “Maryland is proud to have students like Michelle who are dedicated to making the world better for all.”
Wang learned of her selection as one of 55 Truman Scholars from 48 colleges and universities nationwide when UMD President Darryll J. Pines surprised her with the good news last week during an environmental justice class.
Pines and Wang try to reach her mom to tell her about the Truman award in a surprise phone call from class on April 16. (Photo by John T. Consoli)
On campus, Wang, a University Honors student, serves as co-president of the 17 for Peace and Justice environmental justice club and works in the Office of Sustainability. As part of the UMD Federal Fellows program, Wang completed an internship last year with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section, where she worked on a Clean Air Act case. She was chosen as a Maryland Public Service Scholar and, as a Governor’s Internship Program Fellow last year, served as an intern at the Maryland Department of Commerce.
“I think I just naturally gravitate toward community service because it gives me fulfillment and joy to see the impact of what I’m doing,” said Wang, who plans to use the scholarship to attend law school with the goal of working on behalf of communities impacted by environmental issues. “I’m super grateful for the financial support, but I’m also grateful to be part of such a special community.”
Growing up in Baltimore County as a child of Taiwanese immigrant parents, Wang’s interest in environmental issues began on hikes with her family, she said, and later grew as she learned about communities that suffer disproportionate effects from pollution, hazardous materials and lack of access to healthy food.
“Michelle is a natural leader,” said UMD Collegiate Fellow Jim LaChance, who taught her in a University Honors Vantage Point course last spring. “In class I could always count on her to bring up insightful questions or points to further our discussions, and I know she’ll embody this same determination and dedication to make a difference through the Truman Scholars Program.”
Wang poses at the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters during her internship in its Environmental Crimes Section. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Wang)