Emily Quan Named 2022 Truman Scholar

Emily Quan, Brigham Young University Honors Program and computer engineering student, was recently named a 2022 Truman Scholar. In April, President Kevin J Worthen informed Quan she was chosen from among 705 nominees representing 275 colleges and universities. Only 58 recipients nationwide were chosen. Her achievement marks the second consecutive year a BYU Honors student received a Truman Scholarship. The Truman Scholarship Foundation is the premier graduate fellowship in the United States for college juniors pursuing careers as public service leaders.

“I was in El Paso accompanying a ballet festival the week of the announcement, and I had just finished six hours of playing piano for ballet classes when I joined the Zoom call with President Worthen,” Quan said. “I had some idea of what was going on when I saw Audrey Hanks (who was my advisor throughout the process) on the call. It was a surreal moment when President Worthen told me the news. The process is very long—the university's internal deadline for the application is in October—and I hadn't really anticipated the moment of actually becoming a Truman Scholar along the way.”  

Quan’s interest in the implications of Chinese internet censorship for international relations and cyber policy were shaped by her study of computer engineering and spending her childhood in both China and the United States. Upon graduation, Quan hopes to use her skills in cybersecurity to contribute to the US cybersecurity approaches for the East Asian region as a public service leader.  

“I'm honored to join an incredible community of changemakers in public service, and I am so grateful for the mentors and peers who helped me along this process,” Quan said. “Being a Scholar comes with a responsibility to give back to future generations, and I hope to do that through my work on the critical cybersecurity issues that face our nation today.” 

As an Honors student, Quan added depth to her studies through Honors courses and working as a research assistant for two different research labs —BYU Network Embedded Technologies Laboratory and BYU Electro-Holography Laboratory. She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and was part of a BYU Engineering Capstone team sponsored by the Nevada National Security Site.  

Not only is Quan busy in the classroom, but she is also passionate about increasing a sense of belonging on campus for all students. To help increase understanding of LGBTQ+ issues on campus, Quan volunteered with the Office of Student Success and Inclusion and BYU Engineering Together. She also works as a piano accompanist for BYU ballet company classes and collaborates with fellow musicians.

“It is a joy to work with Emily in the Honors program,” said Julie Radle, Honors Program assistant director. “She is a driven, intellectually curious student who uses her background, education, and life experiences to improve the lives of others. A true interdisciplinarian, Emily is highly skilled at researching complex topics, asking difficult questions, integrating information, and finding connections between seemingly dissimilar fields of study. This broader perspective helps make Emily a leader among her peers.” 

Quan has a long history of accomplishments and service to her community. She was named a 2022 Wheatley Scholar and recently won second place in the Kevin Jones Student Writing Award. Quan completed several cybersecurity internships with the Department of Defense. As co-founder and co-director of STEM Futures, a community non-profit organization, Quan helps youth develop math and reading skills. To learn more about Quan’s achievements, click here.

At the end of May, Quan attended the 2022 Truman Scholars Leadership Week at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. Quan and other Truman Scholars participated in programs designed to teach more about the scholarship and aid them in pursuit of graduate school. The week included a service activity, a visit to the Truman Library and Truman home, work on a group policy project, and interaction with previous Truman Scholars. Finally, the Scholars enjoyed weekend activities with family and faculty representatives culminating in an Awards Ceremony.

The Truman Scholarship Foundation recognizes college juniors who display exceptional leadership potential and are committed to affecting change through public service. The Scholarship provides each student with $30,000 for graduate study, leadership training, and fellowship with other students.  

Established by Congress in 1975 as a living memorial to President Harry S. Truman and a national monument to public service, the Truman Scholarship carries the legacy of our 33rd president by supporting and inspiring the next generation of public service leaders. To see the list of winners, visit truman.gov/meet-our-scholars/2022-truman-scholars.  

Students interested in the Truman Scholarship should visit the BYU Office of National Scholarships and Prestigious Fellowships website at ugrad.byu.edu/scholarships or email the office at national.scholarships@byu.edu. Advisors are available to help students interested in graduate study pursue prestigious national and international opportunities by providing advisement and direct support throughout the competitive application process.