Mary Catherine Anderson, senior in cellular, molecular and microbial biology from Huntsville, has been nominated to be a Cambridge Gates Scholar.
Although Anderson has not won the award yet, she has already been accepted into their biological anthropology program for next semester at Cambridge University in England.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Anderson said. "I've never had the opportunity to study abroad before, and Cambridge has a very international student body, so I'm really excited about the experience."
The process started a few months ago when Paul Harris, associate director of prestigious national scholarships, nominated Anderson for the award in October 2013.
Anderson put together and submitted an application package to send to Cambridge University.
Anderson had to submit her transcript, two academic letters and a personal reference in the application.
Her professors Paul Cobine, assistant professor in biology, and Douglas Goodwin, associate professor in chemistry and biochemistry, wrote her academic letters while Harris wrote her a personal reference letter.
"From my earliest interactions with her, I knew that Mary Catherine was both hard working and very academically talented," Goodwin said.
More than 1,000 people applied, and only 90 people were selected to interview.
In addition to the nomination, Anderson is a recorded bluegrass musician, an award-winning playwright and a volunteer at nursing homes and animal shelters.
Anderson said she has been playing bluegrass since she was 10 years old.
Anderson started on the fiddle, but also plays the guitar in her free time.
Anderson said her early-age start in music can be attributed to her father, who is also a bluegrass musician.
"I was raised doing it," Anderson said.
Anderson said she also plays shows for senior citizens in Auburn at Magnolia Place Nursing Home.
In addition to volunteering at Magnolia Place Nursing Home, Anderson also volunteers at Bonapartes Retreat Animal Rescue in Nashville, Tenn.
Besides volunteer work, Anderson has also worked in the music industry for two years handing out royalty checks to songwriters.
Anderson's friend and roommate, Haley Petcher, senior in literature, said she would describe Anderson as normal, well-rounded, intelligent and caring.
Anderson and Petcher said they have known each other since they were teacher's aides junior year at Huntsville High School.
"Mary Catherine is a bright, naturally curious person with a quirky sense of humor, which means that life at Apartment 54 is never dull," Petcher said.
After graduating from Auburn, Anderson said she would like to start a career in global health.
"I would like to bridge the gap between clinical and social sciences," Anderson said.
Anderson said she was not chosen to be a Cambridge Gates Scholar, but will be chosen to be a scholar if someone does not or can not accept it.
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