MIT senior Mishael Quraishi has been chosen as a 2025-26 Churchill Scholar and will pursue an MPhil in archaeological study at Cambridge University in the U.K. this autumn.
Quraishi, majoring in material sciences and archaeology with a minor in ancient and medieval studies, envisions a future profession as a materials scientist, employing archaeological techniques to comprehend how historical methods can be utilized to tackle contemporary issues.
At the Masic Lab at MIT, Quraishi focused on researching Egyptian blue, recognized as the oldest synthetic pigment globally, to reveal ancient techniques for mass production. Through this investigation, she obtained an internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Scientific Research, where she analyzed pigments on the Amathus sarcophagus. Last autumn, she shared her results to launch the International Roundtable on Polychromy at the Getty Museum. Quraishi has continued her research at the Masic lab, and her contributions on the “Blue Room” of Pompeii were highlighted on NBC nightly news.
Beyond her research endeavors, Quraishi has actively participated in MIT’s makerspace and artistic communities. She has crafted engravings and acrylic pourings in the MIT MakerWorkshop, created metal sculptures in the MIT Forge, and produced colored glass rods in the MIT Metropolis makerspace. Quraishi is also a pianist and harpist and has performed with the Harvard Summer Chorus and the Handel and Haydn Society. Presently, she holds the position of president of the Society for Undergraduates in Materials Science (SUMS) and captains the lightweight women’s rowing team, which achieved MIT’s inaugural Division I national championship title in 2022.
“We are thrilled that Mishael will have the chance to broaden her significant and fascinating research at Cambridge University,” remarks Kim Benard, associate dean of distinguished fellowships. “Her unique blend of scientific exploration, humanistic perspective, and artistic flair makes her an exemplary representative of MIT.”
The Churchill Scholarship is a highly sought-after fellowship that annually grants 16 American students the chance to pursue a funded graduate degree in science, mathematics, or engineering at Churchill College within Cambridge University. Established in 1963, the scholarship honors former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s vision for U.S.-U.K. scientific collaboration. Since 2017, two additional Kanders Churchill Scholarships have been awarded each year for studies in science policy.
MIT students who wish to know more about the Churchill Scholarship should reach out to Benard in MIT Career Advising and Professional Development.