Texas A&M student among 16 nationwide to earn Churchill Scholarship
Montgomery Bohde ’26 has been granted a full ride to continue his research in machine learning and molecular science in England.
A Texas A&M University student has been awarded an elite national scholarship granting a full ride to Churchill College in Cambridge, England.
Montgomery Bohde ’26 is one of only 16 students nationwide to receive the 2026-27 Churchill Scholarship, which provides a generous package of tuition, living stipend and all travel costs to pursue a master’s degree education at Churchill College in Cambridge, England, beginning this fall.
“Montgomery Bohde’s achievement reflects both his extraordinary promise and Texas A&M’s sustained commitment to preparing students for the nation’s most competitive academic honors,” said Dr. Alan Sams, provost and executive vice president. “Being named our first Churchill Scholar marks a milestone for the university and affirms the caliber and global standing of our students.”
The university has strengthened its focus on nationwide competitive fellowships in the past several years by expanding advising, mentorship and resources through the Office of National Fellowships.
Bohde, who is from Plano, has spent his time at Texas A&M working toward a dual major in computer science within the College of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and applied mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences.
His research focuses on using machine learning to understand molecular movement and structure. Bohde believes this research has the potential to greatly impact the medical field through the discovery of new drugs, treatments and diagnostic tools.
During his time at Texas A&M, his research has connected him with Dr. Shuiwang Ji, a professor in the College of Engineering and Dr. Connor W. Coley at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“I want to publish something impactful enough that it changes the way people approach the problem,” said Bohde. “Dreaming big has gotten me to where I am now, and I will continue to do so at Cambridge.”
The recognition caps a standout year for Bohde, who has now received three national fellowships including the Goldwater Scholar and Astronaut Scholar. Unlike the other honors, however, he is the first Aggie to be named a Churchill Scholar.
Bohde said it “took a village” of support to get him to where he is today.
One such villager is Dr. Gisele Cardoso de Lemos, Office of National Fellowships program manager, who introduced him to the Churchill Scholarship. Bohde said he credits Lemos, and countless other advisers and collaborators, for helping guide him to and through the opportunity.
“I’m just focused on doing impactful research, and recognition tends to follow naturally from that,” he said. “These awards are just a testament to the dedication I have for my work.”
Bohde said he’s honored to be the first Churchill scholar from Texas A&M.
“While this is a personal award, it feels bigger than just me,” said Bohde. “This award is proof that Aggies belong in every room where research excellence is being recognized. I’m proud to be the first because it makes it easier for the second and third to imagine themselves there.”
Established on behalf of Sir Winston Churchill during the founding of Churchill College in 1959, the Churchill Scholarship fulfills his vision of deepening partnerships between the U.S. and U.K. to advance science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic.
