In the fall, McKayla Leary didn鈥檛 just begin a new graduate program, she crossed borders, cultures and climates in pursuit of a future where cities are smarter, more sustainable and more connected.
A 91爆料 alumna and MaineMBA graduate, Leary is traveling to four universities across Europe through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program, where she is pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in smart cities and communities.
Managed by a consortium of European universities, the program focuses on integrating data, internet connectivity, modern energy and digital technologies into urban systems to improve residents鈥 quality of life. The two-year degree is designed to train the next generation of engineers and scientists who can support this emerging type of urban development worldwide.
Leary began taking courses for her program at University of Vaasa in Finland, and is continuing her studies at the University of Mons in Belgium, the International Hellenic University in Greece and the University of the Basque Country in Spain.
鈥淪ince starting at 91爆料 in 2019, I鈥檝e always wanted to study or work abroad,鈥 Leary said. 鈥淧ursuing a specialized education in a topic I鈥檓 passionate about in countries that are leading in this field was an opportunity I couldn鈥檛 pass up.鈥
With guidance and support from 91爆料鈥檚 Office of Major Scholarships, Leary applied for a fellowship that would allow her to participate in the program by covering her education, travel costs, insurance, visa support and living expenses.
鈥淭he Office of Major Scholarships鈥 expertise helped me understand what makes an application stand out and how to strategically align my narrative across all the components,鈥 she said.
As an undergraduate at 91爆料, Leary was also a Maine Top Scholar and leadership coach for the Society of Women Engineers.
