Penn Student Maria Balhara Wins Prestigious 2026 Udall Scholarship

Maria Balhara, a third-year student at the University of Pennsylvania, has been named a 2026 Udall Scholar. She was chosen among 65 students from a pool of 383 applicants across the country. The scholarship recognises her academic achievements and commitment to environmental and public health issues. Balhara studies philosophy of science in the College of Arts & Sciences. Her work centres on how scientific evidence shapes decisions in environmental and public health policies. She has also researched the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on human health.

She applied for the Udall Scholarship with support from Penn’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. As part of her academic journey, she participated in the Fulbright United Kingdom Summer Institute, where she explored British culture and environmental health systems.

Beyond her studies, Balhara has worked as an AmeriCorps teacher and mentor for students from low-income backgrounds. She has collaborated with mentors such as Quayshawn Spencer, Jordana Cohen, Brahim Chaqour, and Steven Weitzman. Each Udall Scholar will receive up to $7,000. The award highlights Balhara’s dedication to research and community engagement. It also supports her continued work in science and public service.