We are proud to announce that four Cosmographers have been selected for the 2023 Acxiom Diversity Scholarship program.

This year’s Acxiom Diversity Scholarship award marks its 11th year as a program, which typically awards the scholarship to 10 students nationwide. Four of COSMOS students have won the scholarships this year, who are,  

  • Quidirat Akanji, a graduate student in Business Information Systems and Analytics,
  • Mary Nwaife Mezue, a graduate student in Business Information Systems and Analytics, 
  • Lotenna Nwanna, a graduate student in Business Information Systems and Analytics, and
  • Anulika Pearl Nwashili, a graduate student in Bioinformatics.

This scholarship provides $5,000 for US students from diverse backgrounds who are studying graduate or higher technology degrees full-time. Acxiom, based in Conway, encourages education in computer sciences, informational sciences, and mathematics & engineering. The initiative aims to decrease equality gaps by helping fund the education of the underprivileged and underrepresented.

Mary talked to us about what this scholarship means to her. “I am thrilled and inspired to embark on this journey as an Acxiom Diversity Scholar, leveraging the power of data to make informed decisions, create innovative products, and drive positive change in the world,” she says. “This scholarship represents more than just financial support; it symbolizes Acxiom’s unwavering dedication to creating a diverse workforce that reflects our world. It is a reminder that we all have a role to play in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Qudirat told us how she felt validated by the award, saying, “I am truly grateful for the award because not only can it go towards funding my education but it also validates the work I have put in so far in the data analytics field. With this award, I am excited to continue my journey of learning and growing in the industry.”

Pearl briefly describes her career and projects that this scholarship will help fund. She says, “I’m currently researching on advancing an Alzheimer’s drug discovery project to implement a more patient-specific treatment approach, or precision medicine. As a beneficiary of the Acxiom diversity scholarship, I’ll be able to join fellowship programs, attend workshops and conferences, and gain access to exclusive research resources that will bring me closer to fulfilling my goals.” 

Lotenna also detailed how this scholarship fits his individual needs, saying, “Being an International Student is not very easy. In multiple aspects, it can be difficult to adapt to the new culture.” He also pointed out the niche this scholarship reflects, saying “This makes the Acxiom Diversity Scholarship much more critical in enabling academic success given the glaring cultural challenges.  What sets my work and background apart is the unique perspective and diversity I bring especially as someone from a different culture.” 

Acxiom is not only a data-driven customer intelligence company — it is also part of the central Arkansas community. This scholarship continues to help provide students of all backgrounds who exemplify achievement in Acxiom’s field of study and professional ambition.

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