Gift Planning Connections

Scholarships Power Student’s Journey, From Cancer Research to Celtic Culture

When Mallory Thompson ’26 was interviewed for the Rae Elizabeth Smith ’59 Washington Scholarship, she asked the committee what experiences she shouldn’t miss out on as a University of Mary Washington student.

“They told me, unanimously, that I should study abroad,” said Mallory, a senior biomedical sciences major from Spotsylvania who went on to earn the prestigious award that provides full tuition, fees, and housing and dining for in-state students. “Receiving that scholarship totally changed my college experience.”

Mallory also recently earned the Grellet C. Simpson International Scholarship, which is supporting her studies this semester at the University College Cork in Ireland. At this world-class research institution, she’s taking courses in anatomy and philosophy for her practical ethics minor, along with Celtic cultural classes like Irish mythology and step-dancing, as well as a lesser known form of traditional folk dancing known as “Irish sets.”

“I’m so grateful to my donors for providing me with these experiences,” Mallory said. An aspiring physician, she joined UMW’s Pre-Health Society, volunteers with Red Cross blood drives and Mary Washington Healthcare’s emergency department, and traveled with Global Medical Brigades to treat patients in rural Panama – and dances with the Performing Arts Company for fun.

Mallory (back row, third from left) with her fellow Washington and Alvey Scholars at a reception at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center’s Kalnen Inn in fall 2023. Photo by K Pearlman Photography.

Mallory Thompson and her faculty mentor, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Laura Sipe, in front of their research poster at the Virginia State Capitol during a student showcase presented by the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia last spring.

She has also conducted trailblazing research with Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Laura Sipe. “We’re trying to engage and alert the immune system to search for leftover breast cancer cells after a patient has undergone chemotherapy,” said Mallory, who presented her findings at a student showcase hosted by the Network for Undergraduate Research in Virginia, held in Richmond last spring.

“Mallory uses her strong foundation from biomedical sciences courses to ask insightful questions and make new connections,” said Dr. Sipe. “Because of her intellectual curiosity and diligence, she will move our understanding of cancer recurrence forward.”

With a cancer research center near her apartment in Cork, she hopes to shadow doctors and learn more about the Irish healthcare system while exploring the country. She especially enjoyed visiting the Titanic Experience museum in Cobh, where the last passengers departed in 1912, she said. “It’s one of my favorite films!”

Mallory near the city center of Cork, Ireland, right outside of the English market.

Mallory in front of St. Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Ireland.

Mallory takes in views of Kinsale from Charles Fort, a late 17th century military fortress in Ireland.

Mallory standing in front of colorful houses known as the “Deck of Cards,” a popular tourist attraction in Cobh, Ireland.

Mallory outside of the Titanic Experience museum. “It was an interactive experience where they treat you like a passenger and give you a card with someone who had boarded the ship,” she said. “My passenger survived! It was such a neat thing to do in Cobh!”

A UMW Honors Program scholar, Mallory will continue her studies at The George Washington University School of Medicine, where she was accepted through Mary Washington’s Early Selection Program, along with several of her peers.

“Being a part of the UMW community will make acclimating to medical school easier,” said Mallory, who plans to practice oncology or dermatology. “I’m so grateful for all Mary Washington has given me.”

For information about supporting student success through scholarships now and through your estate plans, contact Jeremy Vaughn at jvaughn@umw.edu or 540-654-2063.

This story originally ran in the fall 2025 Gift Planning Connections Newsletter.

-Article written by Assistant Director of Advancement Communications Jill Graziano Laiacona ’04