---
title: Undergrad Who Advocates for Environmental Justice Named Truman Scholar
date: 2026-04-24T15:37:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/undergrad-who-advocates-for-environmental-justice-named-truman-scholar"
section: Articles
---
# Undergrad Who Advocates for Environmental Justice Named Truman Scholar

*April 24, 2026* — by [Laura Barnhardt Cech](/author/laura-barnhardt-cech)


> Michelle Wang Becomes 12th Terp to Receive National Honor for Leadership Potential

*Truman Scholar Michelle Wang Classroom Surprise Pines 04162026 JC 3944 1920x1080 — Michelle Wang '27 walks to the front of her environmental justice class in the Plant Sciences Building, where UMD President Darryll J. Pines surprised her with the news she'd been named a 2026 Truman Scholar, the nation's most selective award for underclassmen. (Photos by John T. Consoli)*

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](https://www.truman.gov/) 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.



*President Pines holds up hands as Michelle Wang holds up phone — 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.


*Michelle Wang stands in front of Department of Justice seal, three flags and two statues — Wang poses at the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters during her internship in its Environmental Crimes Section. (Photo courtesy of Michelle Wang)*




**Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community)


**Tags:** [Environmental Science and Policy](https://today.umd.edu/topic/environmental-science-and-policy), [Student Experience](https://today.umd.edu/topic/student-experience)


**Units:** [Office of Undergraduate Studies](https://today.umd.edu/topic/office-undergraduate-studies), [College of Agriculture and Natural Resources](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-agriculture-and-natural-resources), [College of Information](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-information-studies), [Honors College](https://today.umd.edu/topic/honors-college), [Office of Sustainability](https://today.umd.edu/topic/office-sustainability)