Amber DeJohn, a Michigan State University undergraduate student, has earned the nationally competitive Beinecke Scholarship, which pays for graduate studies in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
DeJohn is an Honors College junior majoring in political theory and constitutional democracy in James Madison College and economic geography in the College of Social Science. She is MSU’s third Beinecke Scholar since 2011, which is when the university was invited to be a nominating institution.
“Receiving the Beinecke is beyond anything I could have imagined,” DeJohn said. “I want to thank the Spartan professors, staff and friends who were so encouraging and integral in this process. This scholarship will be instrumental as I continue my education, and I hope the work I do moving forward makes me worthy of this honor.”
During her time at MSU, DeJohn has conducted research under professor Bruce Pigozzi regarding Genesee County’s Transport Authority, with a focus on the mass transit authority’s routes in relation to populations living in poverty.
As a legislative intern in Lansing, DeJohn assisted with policy research on transportation bills and constituent response. She is currently a student assistant for the Michigan Department of Transportation, working in the data inventory and integration division.
A graduate of Davison High School, DeJohn is the committee chair of the MSU Model United Nations, as well as assistant vice president of technology and operations for the MSU International Relations Organization.
She was awarded the Edward J. Barant Scholarship as a freshman at MSU, an award given to an undergraduate with proven leadership through extracurricular activities and community service.
“Amber has already demonstrated a commitment to graduate studies and an ensuing career that will enable her to collaborate with economic development organizations to impact transportation development in urban communities,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, dean of the Honors College. “Her drive, determination and intellectual acumen are cornerstones of her success to date and will enable her to continue to excel in her chosen field.”