Princeton University

Two win Marshall Scholarships

By Eric Quiñones

Princeton NJ — Allison Bishop, a senior majoring in mathematics, and Yusufi Vali, a 2005 alumnus currently studying in Syria, have been awarded 2006 Marshall Scholarships for graduate study in England.

Bishop and Vali are among 43 students from U.S. colleges and universities to win the prestigious awards, which cover the cost of living and studying at a British university of the recipient’s choice for two or three years. Bishop will pursue a certificate of advanced study in mathematics and begin doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge. Vali will attend the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, where he will pursue a master’s degree in Islamic studies.

Bishop, formerly of Lansing, N.Y., and now a resident of Omaha, Neb., entered Princeton seeking creative outlets and expected to major in English en route to becoming a teacher and novelist. An early course in number theory redirected her focus to mathematics, although she continues to write fiction and compose music.

For her senior thesis, Bishop is writing a textbook for undergraduates, which addresses the difficulty of learning to write proofs and provides a broad introduction to the range of mathematical subjects. She also is pursuing a certificate in women and gender studies to gain additional perspective on issues facing women in the mathematics field.

Vali, who graduated in 2005 with a degree in Near Eastern studies, is spending this year in Syria on a Fulbright fellowship conducting research on a Sufi movement to foster interfaith dialogue between the country’s Muslim and Christian communities. He also is making a documentary on life in Syria.

Vali plans to pursue a career in the human rights field in the Islamic world, either through the United Nations or a nongovernmental organization, to counter violent versions of Islam. A resident of Jefferson City, Mo., he was born in the United Arab Emirates and lived in India before coming to the United States.

The Marshall Scholarships are awarded to American students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential.