James Straw, a student at the University of Montana, has been named a Marshall Scholar, one of the most competitive scholarships available to American students for graduate study in the United Kingdom. Straw is the fifth recipient from UM since the scholarship’s inception.
Straw’s path to this achievement began after his service in the United States Marine Corps, where he fulfilled his goal of becoming a sniper. His military career was interrupted when he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune disease that caused severe pain and vision loss in one eye. This diagnosis led him to reconsider his future plans and ultimately pursue higher education.
“It turns out my autoimmune disease ended up being a really good thing in my life,” Straw said. “I definitely wouldn’t be here at UM if it weren’t for it, but I think this is a better opportunity for me. One opportunity here has led to the next, and it just keeps going, and it ended up being good enough to earn the Marshall Scholarship.”
At UM, Straw majors in integrative physiology with a minor in biochemistry. He credits faculty members at Missoula College for helping him develop effective study habits and encouraging him to explore research opportunities. After initial work in integrative physiology research, he shifted focus following inspiration from lectures on genetics in medicine. He gained experience as a clinical research intern at Children’s Hospital Colorado and later at the Musculoskeletal Research Center, where he assisted with data collection and manuscript preparation.
Straw also spent time as a cabin counselor at Roundup River Ranch in Colorado, working with children who have medical conditions.
“Mr. Straw came to UM in search of another way to serve,” said UM President Seth Bodnar. “An extraordinary student and researcher with an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others through medicine and collaborative science, James Straw not only embodies the purpose of the Marshall Scholar program but has an ethos for service reflective of the scholarship’s namesake.”
After graduating from UM this spring, Straw will attend graduate school at the University of Edinburgh through the Marshall Scholarship program. He plans to study Human Complex Trait Genetics and Genomics as well as Experimental Medicine before pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D., focusing on autoimmune diseases or pediatric cancer.
“James’ experience as a leader in the military, his academic achievements on and off campus and his commitment to serving others through medicine truly embodies what the Marshall Scholarship seeks in their awardees,” said Kylla Benes, director of UM’s office of external scholarships and fellowships.
“James found his new path at UM,” Benes said, “and his award exemplifies our institution’s core strengths and values: that any student who attends UM can unlock their full potential with uncommon access to support, mentorship and opportunity.”
Growing up on a farm in Colorado where his family fostered more than 40 children and adopted four siblings shaped Straw’s approach toward leadership and service.
“I feel like leadership was just kind of ingrained in the way I grew up because I want to set a good example for my siblings,” Straw said. “But it also feels good to make my parents proud and go beyond what they set me up for. They set me up to believe I could do anything, and they really supported every dream I’ve had. They made me believe in myself, and that’s been such a driving factor in my entire life.”
For further information about James Straw’s journey or details regarding external scholarships at UM, contact Dave Kuntz at dave.kuntz@umontana.edu or 406-243-5659.
