Mary Zhulkie, Northern Michigan University economics graduate, was recently accepted into the doctoral economics program at George Mason University. She has been awarded a fellowship through GMU’s Mercatus Center, where she will work closely with faculty as a research assistant. The fellowship provides full tuition support and a monthly stipend, with an estimated value of $200,000.

“I would not be in this position without the help and guidance given to me by the faculty of NMU’s economics department,” said Zhulkie. “In specific, Dr. Quinn really got me interested in the subject of economics and Dr. Prychitko introduced me to the program at the Mercatus Center and helped me considerably through the entire application process. I chose to apply to GMU because I like the economics program's innovative curriculum and internationally acclaimed faculty.”

Zhulkie consistently made the dean’s list while at NMU and was named the economics department outstanding graduating senior in May 2016. She is taking the current academic year off.