Milken Scholars Globe-Trotting for Research

Published 03/17/2025 in Program Updates, Scholar Travel Stipend

Written by Reyes, Natalie, Torres, Evelyn | 03/17/2025

The Milken Scholars Program is committed to being a community of Lifelong Leaders for a Better World. With this in mind, Program founder Mike Milken created the Travel Stipend in 2012 to further support Scholars as they research the most pressing issues in their fields, with a global perspective.

The Travel Stipend, reimburses $1,000 of costs associated with research Scholars conduct in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. Through research essays, Scholars are asked to reflect on how their international exploration aligns with the missions of the Milken Institute and the Milken Family Foundation. If traveling to a country outside of Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, Scholars are still welcome to apply as proposals are considered on a case-by-case basis.

In 2024, over 40 current and Alumni Scholars used the Stipend to conduct research on topics ranging from stem cells, aging, culture and identity, and more! A transportation aficionado, Ramsay Goyal, MS ‘20, used the Travel Stipend to visit Morocco at the end of his senior year, where he examined the country’s train service, urban medinas, and electrified rail networks. In his research essay, he reflected on, “Morocco’s encouragement of a variety of transportation methods endeavors to create a more sustainable world.” Upon graduating from Yale, Ramsay accepted a full-time role as a Planning Analyst at Kimley-Horn where he continues applying his transportation expertise at work and at home since he serves as President of the Olympic Park Neighborhood Council in Los Angeles.

Milken Scholars are eligible for a maximum of 5 travel stipends throughout their lifetime. Alumni Scholars like Vaneshia Reed, MS ‘12, have used this resource to further advance their professional or academic pursuits. 

Vaneshia Reed with Jeong Kwan Sunim, a well known Seon Buddhist nun and chef of Korean cuisine

After watching Chef’s Table on Netflix, Vaneshia was drawn to Korea to learn about monks’ understanding of how food and spiritual energy are connected. Upon graduating from Harvard, Vaneshia spent time in the culinary industry. Passionate about funding an inclusive and sustainable food future she graduated from the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. Through this journey, the travel stipend helped her with a trip to Korea fueled by her mission of promoting a plant-forward future. She studied vegan culinary practices in Korean temples and in her research essay, Vaneshia explains that, “One of our most critical global issues is working towards a food system that is equitable, sustainable, and supports the health of our minds, bodies, and environment.” Now, Vaneshia is exploring ways to share her philosophies on holistic care and sustainable food systems as an MBA Candidate at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

If you are a current or Alumni Scholar interested in applying for a Travel Stipend, log in to view the Travel Stipend Guidelines and reach out to staff with any questions. The Milken Scholars Program is happy to be a part of the many ways Scholars are changing the world!