In the fall, McKayla Leary didn’t just begin a new graduate program, she crossed borders, cultures and climates in pursuit of a future where cities are smarter, more sustainable and more connected.
A University of Maine alumna and MaineMBA graduate, Leary is traveling to four universities across Europe through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters program, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in smart cities and communities.
Managed by a consortium of European universities, the program focuses on integrating data, internet connectivity, modern energy and digital technologies into urban systems to improve residents’ quality of life. The two-year degree is designed to train the next generation of engineers and scientists who can support this emerging type of urban development worldwide.
Leary began taking courses for her program at University of Vaasa in Finland, and is continuing her studies at the University of Mons in Belgium, the International Hellenic University in Greece and the University of the Basque Country in Spain.
“Since starting at UMaine in 2019, I’ve always wanted to study or work abroad,” Leary said. “Pursuing a specialized education in a topic I’m passionate about in countries that are leading in this field was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
With guidance and support from UMaine’s Office of Major Scholarships, Leary applied for a fellowship that would allow her to participate in the program by covering her education, travel costs, insurance, visa support and living expenses.
“The Office of Major Scholarships’ expertise helped me understand what makes an application stand out and how to strategically align my narrative across all the components,” she said.
As an undergraduate at UMaine, Leary was also a Maine Top Scholar and leadership coach for the Society of Women Engineers.
