Psychology major and Honors student Mielad Ziaee has been awarded a prestigious Marshall Scholarship, a highly competitive national award that provides full financial support for graduate studies at any university in the United Kingdom. This marks his third major national recognition this year, highlighting his exceptional potential in public health research.

Ziaee, a first-generation college student and son of Iranian immigrants, researches food insecurity in Houston's Third Ward. His work goes beyond statistics, focusing on how data, community and policy can create meaningful impact in addressing systemic social challenges.

As one of only two University of Houston students to ever receive the Marshall Scholarship, Ziaee will continue his academic research on public health, building on his work on community health disparities. The scholarship, established in 1953, only selects up to 50 students annually for graduate studies, making it one of the most prestigious academic awards in the United States.

The newly established CLASS Honors Program is cultivating more student success stories like Ziaee's by providing highly motivated students with advanced academic opportunities and fostering a distinctive scholarly community. Through specialized resources and interdisciplinary experiences, the program supports exceptional students in pursuing their research and professional goals.

"Mielad's achievement demonstrates the extraordinary potential we're developing," said Daniel P. O'Connor, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. "Supporting students with interests and talents like his is exactly why we developed the CLASS Honors Program."

For more information, visit the University of Houston's official announcement.